Understanding why correlation does not imply causality (even though many in the press and some researchers often imply otherwise).

Introduction to Sociology 2e adheres to the scope and sequence of a typical, one-semester introductory sociology course. It offers comprehensive coverage of core concepts, foundational scholars, and emerging theories, which are supported by a wealth of engaging learning materials. The textbook presents detailed section reviews with rich questions, discussions that help students apply their knowledge, and features that draw learners into the discipline in meaningful ways. The second edition retains the book’s conceptual organization, aligning to most courses, and has been significantly updated to reflect the latest research and provide examples most relevant to today’s students. In order to help instructors transition to the revised version, the 2e changes are described within the preface.

Differentiate between four kinds of research methods: surveys, field research, experiments, and secondary data analysis
Understand why different topics are better suited to different research approaches

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Explain what a correlation coefficient tells us about the relationship between variables
Recognize that correlation does not indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between variables
Discuss our tendency to look for relationships between variables that do not really exist
Explain random sampling and assignment of participants into experimental and control groups
Discuss how experimenter or participant bias could affect the results of an experiment
Identify independent and dependent variables

You are probably asking yourself the question, "When and where will I use statistics?". If you read any newspaper or watch television, or use the Internet, you will see statistical information. There are statistics about crime, sports, education, politics, and real estate. Typically, when you read a newspaper article or watch a news program on television, you are given sample information. With this information, you may make a decision about the correctness of a statement, claim, or "fact." Statistical methods can help you make the "best educated guess."

Introductory statistics course developed through the Ohio Department of Higher Education OER Innovation Grant. The course is part of the Ohio Transfer Module and is also named TMM010. For more information about credit transfer between Ohio colleges and universities please visit: www.ohiohighered.org/transfer.Team LeadKameswarrao Casukhela                     Ohio State University – LimaContent ContributorsEmily Dennett                                       Central Ohio Technical CollegeSara Rollo                                            North Central State CollegeNicholas Shay                                      Central Ohio Technical CollegeChan Siriphokha                                   Clark State Community CollegeLibrarianJoy Gao                                                Ohio Wesleyan UniversityReview TeamAlice Taylor                                           University of Rio GrandeJim Cottrill                                             Ohio Dominican University

Sometimes it is difficult to measure or find information on a variable of interest. The problem then is to use information from easily measurable variables to find the needed information. Naturally, the variables to use must be related to the variable of interest. In this module we will study about relationships between two quantitative variables. We will explore some standard mathematical (linear, quadratic, cubic, etc.) forms of relationships.Learning Objectives:Identify response and explanatory variablesGiven bivariate data make a scatterplot of data and predict the pattern and strength of the relationship between the variablesLinear relationshipDefine correlation, study its properties and use themFind correlation for a bivariate data and interpret the resultsInterpret the square of the correlationTest for the significance of correlation – set up hypothesis and interpret the p-value of the testLinear relationship – Estimate the linear relationship between the two variables.Interpret slope and intercept.Interpret the square of the correlationStudy residuals and residual plots,Distinguish between the terms correlation and causationTest for the significance of the slope coefficient – set up hypothesis and interpret the p-value of the test.Study quadratic and other non-linear models.Textbook Material -  Chapter 12 – Correlation and Regression – Pages 673 - 699

Sometimes it is difficult to measure or find information on a variable of interest. The problem then is to use information from easily measurable variables to find the needed information. Naturally, the variables to use must be related to the variable of interest. In this module we will study about relationships between two quantitative variables. We will explore some standard mathematical (linear, quadratic, cubic, etc.) forms of relationships.Learning Objectives:Identify response and explanatory variablesGiven bivariate data make a scatterplot of data and predict the pattern and strength of the relationship between the variablesLinear relationshipDefine correlation, study its properties and use themFind correlation for a bivariate data and interpret the resultsInterpret the square of the correlationTest for the significance of correlation – set up hypothesis and interpret the p-value of the testLinear relationship – Estimate the linear relationship between the two variables.Interpret slope and intercept.Interpret the square of the correlationStudy residuals and residual plots,Distinguish between the terms correlation and causationTest for the significance of the slope coefficient – set up hypothesis and interpret the p-value of the test.Study quadratic and other non-linear models.Textbook Material -  Chapter 12 – Correlation and Regression – Pages 673 - 699