SOC 281 - Computer Applications for the Social Sciences

1. To enhance the employment prospects of students by teaching evaluation research and other computer skills and knowledge related to the service community.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current service organization office related software including word processing, spreadsheet manipulations, graphic packages, and basic accounting applications.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of data analysis and management including establishing files, labeling variables and codes, recording variables, computing new variables, employing Boolean logic, merging and creating new files and constructing indexes and scales.
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how database management packages are used to collect and manipulate data in ways data analysis packages cannot. Students will have a “hands on” experience with a relational database that permits analysis of data at different levels of aggregation including combining files for varying levels of analysis such as families, referrals, specific programs, etc.
5. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of data presentation and graphic programs. Presentation systems such as Power Point and Presentations will be employed to teach students how to use clip art to dress up their graphs and tables and transform their graphs and tables and transform their analysis into computer-based slide shows.
6. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of computer skills related to the types of statistical analysis and research methods common to the social sciences.
7. As deemed necessary, students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of any other computer applications relevant to the discipline not describe above.
8. Assess the organizational and social responsibility of using computer technology in the service community.
9. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of possible directions of future developments and implementation of technology in the service community.