This course introduces students to statistics for social workers. The course primarily emphasizes descriptive statistics but also provides an introductory overview of basic inferential statistical concepts and measures. Central to the course are the conceptual learning of: l) types of variables, 2) methods of organiz1ng measures of variables, 3) the meaning and interpretation of descriptive and some inferential statistical measures, 4) the principles of hypothesis testing, and 5) their appropriate use in describing and estimating characteristics and effects of practice within social welfare clients and of social welfare programs. Students will learn computer based SPSS program to calculate and graphically display statistics.

The general goals of this course are for students to gain a level of understanding of descriptive statistics so that they understand statistical information reported in professional literature and. agency/program reports, utilize that knowledge as part of their professional practice to monitor their practice and their agencies of employment, and to gain familiarity with computer and statistical software technologies that facilitate incorporation of statistical knowledge into practice. Professional literature will be chosen that addresses issues of diversity, social justice, populations at risk, and values and ethics in social work practice.

1. Distinguish between categorical and quantitative variables and their identification among the types of variables frequently used to describe and measure social work clients, practice and program outcomes.
***Method of evaluating this objective: Class exercises and examination.

2. Develop understanding of the utility of and relationship between social work practice and programs and research in determining effects of intervention and in improving practice and programs.
***Method of evaluating this objective: Review required texts, class discussions, review articles and examination.

3. Understand the different types of descriptive statistical measures and their use in describing clients, client groups and populations as well as practice and program processes and outcomes.
***Method of evaluating this objective: Review of texts and homework assignments.

4. Develop understanding of significance testing and its use to assess differences in client attributes, practice/program processes and outcomes.
***Method of evaluating ebis objective: Review of text, discussion of literature, and review different program objective.

5. Develop skills and knowledge in the conduct of bivariate and multi-variate analysis of social work practice and program characteristics and effects.
***Method of evaluating this objective: Homework assignments and review of texts.

6. Develop basic conceptual understanding of inferential statistical analysis.
***Method of evaluating this objective: Class exercises and exams

7. Develop knowledge and skills for use of computer SPSS statistical analysis program.
***Method of evaluating this objective: Mini SPSS homework assignments and SPSS final project.

SPSS Homework Assignments. The eleven SPSS homework assignments are designed to introduce you to a statistical package and strengthen your computer literacy. The assignments are very detailed and should be taken very serious. We will discuss the assignments in class and talk about their relevance to social work. These assignments will give you the opportunity to code data, input data, name variables, assign value labels, run different statistical procedures and much more. All SPSS assignments will be due at the beginning of the class. The assignments are worth 25 points each. We will meet in the Computer Lab in PH 1410 each class period from 7:45 pm to 8:45 pm. This will be an opportunity for any student needing help with SPSS. Also, I have included several links for understanding statistics on the web. Please check them out at www.siue.edu/~vbrown/

Examination. There will be four exams. Each exam will cover all materials prior to the test. The exams are worth 100 points each.

Review of Current Literature. From time to time the class will review social work journal articles and evaluate the results section. This will strengthen your knowledge base when evaluating the reliability and/or validity of studies that are done. When assigned they will be worth 5 bonus points.

Gravetter J. and Larry Wallnau. Essentials Of Statistics: For The Behavioral Sciences. 3^rd Edition, St. Paul, MN: West Publishing Company, 1998.

Weinbach, Robert W. Statistics for Social Workers. 4^th Edition, New York: Longman, 1997.

SPSS 7.5 for Windows Student Version. New York: Prentice Hall, 1997.

Hedderson, J. and M. Fisher. SPSS made simple. 2nd Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Inc., 1993.

Krishef, Cutrtis H. Fundamental Statistics for Human Services and Social Work. Boston: Duxbury Press, 1987.

 Note: Students are encouraged to do all of the homework problems in the book. Homework is not turned in for evaluation. Answers to all odd number problems are in the back of the book. Several problems will be worked in class as class exercises.

Note: Statistics can sometimes produce a lot of anxiety, therefore I would suggest that you never miss class and that you keep up with the assignments. Once you are behind it is very difficult to catch up. Come with a positive attitude and most of all trust and believe in yourself.

Note: Although this is a contract with you the student, there may be times that this contract will have to be modified. I will discuss with you at least a week in advance of any changes.

Click here  for a list of helpful and interesting statistics related web sites, compiled by Dr. Gary Cziko of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.