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ANTH 7333

Data Analysis

Spring 2007  Heroy 426 Tues. 6:30-9:20 p.m.

Prof. Robert V. Kemper   phone: 214-768-2928   email: rkemper@smu.edu

Course Description: In this course students explore various methods of data analysis using their own data sets or those of a member of the faculty. The class combines lecture and discussion with hands-on applications. Prerequisites: ANTH 5344 and 6302 (or STAT equivalent) or permission of instructor.

SYLLABUS AND SCHEDULE

SYLLABUS

Readings/Materials

Bernard, H. Russell (2002) Research Methods in Anthropology: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.  Third Edition. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press.

SPSS Graduate Pak 15.  For additional information, please visit the following web page: http://www.journeyed.com/itemDetail.asp?ItmNo=72391573R. (Note: Do not purchase this item directly from the web site. Please see Pamela Hogan in the department office to arrange for a special pricing scheme for this product.)

Additional materials will be found on reserve at the ISEM Library and/or on the course web site.  In addition, CD-based data sets will be distributed in class and/or placed on reserve at the ISEM Library.

Course Requirements

1. Exercises with assigned data sets (12% each for 5 exercises; total of 60%). Note: some exercises will be done individually; others in teams.

2. A major data analysis project resulting in a "poster" presentation (30%) -- to be presented at the last class meeting, 24 April.

3. Class participation (10%).

The SMU Student “Code of Conduct”

Students are expected to abide by the SMU Code of Conduct in all matters related to this course, including work inside and outside of the classroom.  For details, please see http://www.smu.edu/studentlife/PCL_03_Conduct_Code.asp

Excused Absences for University Extracurricular Activities

Students participating in an officially sanctioned, scheduled University extracurricular activity will be given the opportunity to make up class assignments or other graded assignments missed as a result of their participation.  It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the instructor prior to any missed scheduled examination or other missed assignment for making up the work.  (University Undergraduate Catalogue)

Altschuler Learning Enhancement Center

Students who require extra assistance with writing, reading, or test-taking should consult the Altschuler Learning Enhancement Center staff.  For details, please see http://www.smu.edu/alec/home/

Disability Accommodations

Students needing academic accommodations for a disability must first contact Ms. Rebecca Marin, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities (214-768-4557) to verify the disability and establish eligibility for accommodations.  They should then schedule an appointment with the professor to make appropriate arrangements.  (See University Policy No. 2.4.)  Please see http://www.smu.edu/studentlife/OSSD_Facts.asp

Religious Observances

Religiously observant students wishing to be absent on holidays that require missing class should notify their professors in writing at the beginning of the semester, and should discuss with them, in advance, acceptable ways of making up any work missed because of the absence.  (See University Policy No. 1.9.)

SCHEDULE

DATE

TOPIC

Be prepared to discuss Bernard, Chapters 1-7.

Readings: Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapters 1-7.

Be prepared to discuss Bernard, Chapters 8-12.

Readings: Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology, chapters 8-12.

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Approaches to Qualitative Data

Readings: Bernard, chapter 13-14.

Recommended Readings: La Pelle, Nancy (2004) "Simplifying Qualitative Data Analysis Using General Purpose Software Tools," Field Methods 16(1):85-108.  Ryan, Gery W. (2004) "Using a Word Processor to Tag and Retrieve Blocks of Text," Field Methods 16(1):109-130.  Silverman, David (1993) Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analysing Talk, Text, and Interaction. London: Sage Publications. see especially chapters 4 and 9.

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Discuss: Exercise #1 -- "The State of the States: An Analysis of State News in USA Today"  Due: 30 January.

Approaches to Qualitative Data

Readings: Bernard, chapter 15-16.

Student Reports: Exercise #1 -- "The State of the States: An Analysis of State News in USA Today" 

Recommended Reading: LeCompte, Margaret D. and Jean J. Schensul (1999) Analyzing & Interpreting Ethnographic Data.  Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press.

Quantitative Approaches to Qualitative Data

Readings: Bernard, chapter 17

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Discussion: Exercise #2 (Frito-Lay Tom Thumb Visual Data)

Readings: Bernard, chapter 18  (first part) and (second part)

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Discussion: Exercise #2 (Frito-Lay Tom Thumb Visual Data)

Readings: Bernard, chapter 19 (first part)

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Student Reports: Exercise #2 (Frito-Lay Tom Thumb Visual Data)

Readings: Bernard, chapter 19 (final part)

Discuss Exercise #3 (TPC Survey Analysis)

Readings: Bernard, chapter 20 (first part)

Readings: Bernard, chapter 20 (second part)

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Student Presentations: Exercise #3 (TPC Survey Analysis)

Readings: See information about Posters on the websites of the American Anthropological Association and the Society for Applied Anthropology.

Readings: Bernard, chapter 21 (first part)

Discussion of Visualizing Data (Tufte and GIS)

Discuss Exercise #4 (NCTCOG Census Data)

Student Presentations: Exercise #4 (NCTCOG Census Data)

Readings: Bernard, chapter 21 (second part)

Readings: Kemper et al. (1983) "Tourism as a Cultural Domain: The Case of Taos, New Mexico"

Poster Session for Student Data Analysis Projects