Programs and Courses

Source: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2026/course/SOCY2038 Parent: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/AACOM

• Code SOCY2038

• Unit Value 6 units

• Offered by School of Sociology

• ANU College ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
• Course subject Sociology

• Areas of interest Policy Studies, Political Sciences, Social Research, Sociology, Criminology

• Academic career UGRD

• Course convener
• Prof Adrian Mackenzie
• Mode of delivery In Person
• Offered in

First Semester 2026\

See Future Offerings - Graduate Attributes - Transdisciplinary

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Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods (SOCY2038)

• Introduction
• Learning Outcomes
• Indicative Assessment
• Workload
• Requisite and Incompatibility
• Prescribed Texts
• Other Information
• Fees
• Offerings and Dates

In the 21st century sociologists, criminologists and political scientists can access a wealth of data contained in data repositories. To enable students to evaluate the quantitative literature and analyse survey data themselves, this course lays the foundations for three types of skills.

First, students will consider the practices of exploratory data analysis. Second, they will learn about the basics of statistical data analysis and how understand how to use data samples to test claims about social groups and their differences. Finally, they will develop skills in critical data analysis allowing them to situate statistical practice in the context of contemporary social processes, knowledges and power relations.

The course is based on a problem-based pedagogy. Students will work with survey data to learn how to produce and interpret descriptive and inferential statistics. Course activities will enable students to learn how to ask and answer research questions using techniques that include cross-tabulations, t-tests, chi-squared tests and estimates with confidence intervals.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. critically evaluate key quantitative methodologies using historical, critical and ethical approaches including indigenous perspectives;
2. interpret and analyse sociological or social science research that uses statistical methods;
3. use quantitative and statistical techniques to analyse social issues; and
4. define key statistical concepts and explain how they can be used in social science.

Other Information

Lectures will be recorded.

Indicative Assessment

1. Learning log (1500 words) (25) [LO 1]
2. Project Report (2200 words) (45) [LO 1,2,3,4]
3. Online quizzes, 2 x 30 minutes (2 x 5%) (10) [LO 1,2,3]
4. Group project presentation (20) [LO 2,3]

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Workload

130 hours of total student learning time made up from:

a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks, typically comprising weekly 1 hour lectures and week 2 hour practical workshops.

b) 94 hours of independent student research, statistical analysis of survey data, reading and writing

Requisite and Incompatibility

To enrol in this course you must have completed 24 units of tertiary study or 12 units in the relevant field/discipline.

Prescribed Texts

Not applicable

Fees

Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.

Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students\ If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. 

Student Contribution Band: : 14

Unit value: : 6 units

If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) placeor international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.

Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.

Course fees

Domestic International

Domestic fee paying students

International fee paying students

Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

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Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

The list of offerings for future years is indicative only. \

Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.

2026

First Semester