Fear of Crime
Summary
The purpose of this module is to introduce students in an online Criminology course to the idea of data analysis using an online analysis program and the General Social Survey. Prior to this module, students will have read several documents describing the scientific method including terminology such as statistical significance, independent and dependent variables, and operationalization. Once students have read this document, they then complete a guided online analysis and turn in their answers by completing an online quiz.
Learning Goals
Skill
- Using software to access and analyze census data
- Identifying independent and dependent variables
- Forming testable hypotheses using quantitative data
- Learning how to construct, read, and interpret bivariate tables displaying frequencies and percentages
- Using real world data to enhance and support key course concepts
- Examining the correlation between crime statistics and demographic data
Context for Use
This activity is used in a Sociology of Violence class for undergraduate students. This activity uses Census data to look at the correlation between crime statistics and demographic data.
Description and Teaching Materials
Teaching Notes and Tips
The module begins with an analysis that the students can follow along with. After they become acquainted with how the program works, students can then complete a data analysis exercise on their own. This activity uses General Social Survey data and data analysis tools from their own website. The web based software is a bit counter intuitive, and clearer instructions in class might be necessary.
Assessment
References and Resources
Original Archive Module:
http://www.ssdan.net/datacounts/modules/index/jasinski_fearandcrime_index.shtml
http://www.ssdan.net/datacounts/modules/index/jasinski_fearandcrime_index.shtml