Dollars and Sense: Convincing Students That They Can Learn and Want to Learn Statistics

Abstract

QUANTITATIVE METHODS ARE an integral part of much sociological research. For that reason, many sociology departments require a course in statistics as part of an undergraduate major in sociology, and most faculty view the undergraduate statistics course as a valuable part of an undergraduate student’s training in sociology. Unfortunately, most undergraduates do not feel the same. Instead, a majority of students fear and loathe the required statistics course. Students often postpone taking the course as long as possible and experience anger and anxiety during the class.