PA 7359-502: Fundamentals of Quantitative Research

Spring Semester 2006

GR. 2.302
Tuesday 7:00 – 9:45
Professor: Dr. Floun’say R. Caver
Office: GR 2.820
Office Phone: 972-883-4987
Email: fcaver@utdallas.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 4:30 - 6:30 pm or by appointment

Course Description: This course introduces students to the basic tools of quantitative
research and shows how they are used in the analysis of public sector data. A fundamental
understanding of these tools is a critical foundation for public administration. The course
covers algebra, data presentation, descriptive statistics, inference from samples, hypothesis
testing, and the basics of regression analysis. The will also be an introduction to statistical
software – STATA.

Course Objective: The objective of this course is to provide students with a quantitative
and statistical foundation that can be used in future graduate courses, as well as in their
applied work environments.

Requirements:
1. Kachigan, Sam (1986). Statistical Analysis: An Interdisciplinary Introduction to
Univariate & Multivariate Methods. ISBN 0-942154-99-1
2. Scientific Calculator – cost should range from $8 - $15.
3. Blue Books for Exams

Course Evaluation: The course grading consists of homework, three exams, and an applied
statistical analysis.

Quizzes and Exams: The quizzes will review algebraic concepts which are the
foundation to understanding the remainder of the course. The first two Midterm Exams will
be sectional exams. The final exam will be a comprehensive final examination.
Examinations will be given on the day the exam is scheduled.
**All quizzes and exams are open book and open note**.

Homework: Homework is essential to student success in this class. It offers the

student the ability to practice the problems and figure out where more studying is needed.
Also, it gives student the ability to ask critical questions before the class moves on to new
topics. Homework will be assigned for most classes and collected at the beginning of each.

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 The Applied Statistical Analysis: Each student will be required to write and present a
statistical analysis related to a public administration topic. Students can create their own data
by creating a survey and summarizing and analyzing the findings or by gathering data from
other sources and analyzing them. The professor will make available data related to
education and city finances if needed. The presentation will be done in PowerPoint.
Detailed listing of project components will be provided in class.

Article Reviews: Student will be required to review two quantitative articles during
the semester. The review should describe the topic, population, sample, and relevant
statistics and conclusions drawn. The presentation should be done in Microsoft PowerPoint.
The time should be approximately 10-15 minutes.

Examination Percentage Your Score

Midterm Exam #1 25%

Midterm Exam # 2 25%

Final Exam 25%

Applied Statistical Analysis 10%

Article Reviews 10%

Homework 5%
____

Grade Scale: The following represents the course grading scale.

A = 90% and above

B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = Less than 60

Policy on Scholastic Dishonesty: Students who violate University rules on scholastic

dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the
course and/or dismissal from the University. Since such actions harm the individual, other
students, and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly
enforced.

Physically Challenged/Special Needs: Students with need special needs (physical

handicaps, learning disabilities, English as a second language) should identify themselves so
that the proper arrangements can be made.

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 Class Session Date Class Topic

Introduction, Class Structure, Discussion of Course Content, Quantitative Pre-

1 Jan. 10 Test

Algebra Concepts: Integers, Exponents, Order of Operations, Algebraic

2 Jan. 17 Expressions, Solving Equations, Solving Linear Equations in One Variable

3 Jan. 24 Quiz #1: Quantitative Post-Test; Part 2: Kachigan Ch. 1-2: Statistics Introduction
Homework due: In Class Handout

4 Jan. 31 Data Reduction: Ch. 3: Frequency Distributions

Homework due: 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 1.11, 2.2, 2.6, 2.11, 2.19, 2.20

5 Feb. 7 Data Reduction: Ch. 4 and 5: Central Tendency and Variation (Sec 1-5)
Homework due: 3.1-5, 3.9 a-f, 3.10, 3.11, 3.15
** Enter Data for 3.10 & 3.11 in a spreadsheet for analysis

6 Feb. 14 Data Reduction: Ch. 5: Variation Continued; Part 2: Data Reduction Review
Homework due: 4.5, 4.7, 4.9 a,b,d, 4.10, 4.16-17, 4.19, 4.21, 4.23 a,b,d,e, 4.25
Article Presentations

7 Feb. 21 Midterm Exam 1 (2hrs)

Part 2: Inference: 6-7: Basic Probability and Sampling Distributions
Homework due: 5.7-9, 5.15, 5.17, 5.21, 5.23, 5.25,5.27, 5.29-32
Article Presentations

8 Feb. 28 Inference: Ch. 8: Parameter Estimation

Homework due: 7.3, 7.5, 7.15, 7.13, 7.18, 7.23-25, 7.35, 7.37, 7.40
Article Presentation

9 Mar. 7 Spring Break: No Class

10 Mar. 14 Inference: Ch. 9: Hypothesis Testing

Homework due: 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.10-11, 8.14, 8.18, 8.22
Article Presentation

11 Mar. 21 Hypothesis Testing continued and Section Review/Applications

Homework due: 9.2, 9.5, 9.7, 9.9, 9.11, 9.18, 9.19, 9.20, 9.22, 9.25, 9.28
Article Presentation

13 Apr. 4 Midterm Exam 2 (2hrs)

Part 2: Association: Ch. 13: Analysis of Category Data
Introduction to Stata: Class Meets in Gr. 3.602

14 Apr. 11 Association: Ch. 10 - 11: Correlation and Regression Analysis

Homework due: 13.7, 13.11, 13.17, 13.19, 13.21
STATA Demo: Class meets in GR. 3.602
STATA Handout given

15 Apr. 18 Applications: Statistical Analysis Presentations

Homework due: 10.2, 10.4, 10.9, 10.10, 11.3-7, 11.19 and STATA Handout

16 Apr. 25 Final Examination: Cumulative Final Exam

** Due to the nature of quantitative courses, this Schedule may change. If changes are made
they will be announced in class**

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