SOC202H1 Chapter Notes -Norm (Social), Scientific Method, Descriptive Statistics
Document Summary
Field of statistics set of procedures for gathers, measuring, classifying, coding, computing, analyzing and summarizing systematically acquired numerical information: goal: balanced perspective w/ precision in gathering/presenting info. Counters perceptions of reality distorted by subjective feelings, biases, prejudices. Linking the statistical imagination to the sociological imagination. Sociological imagination an awareness of relationships of the individual to the wider society and to history: recognize individual behavior is conducted in relationship to larger social structures, i. e. see isolated detail as part of larger picture. Occurrence probability based on long-term trends/circumstances: understand broader picture of reality, to overcome misunderstandings, prejudices, narrow-mindedness. Statistical norm a phenomenon"s average rate of occurrence: differ btwn societies, groups b/c influenced by social norm, an existent average, ex. Us imrs high amongst medcs, low amongst all nations. Statistical ideal a phenomenon"s socially desired rate of occurrence: influence by social values shared ideas among the members of a society about the way things ought to be.
