Sage Publications

How to Make Sense of Statistics

Sage Publications

How to Make Sense of Statistics

Sage Instructors

Instructor: Sage Instructors

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Understand the role of numbers in research and how to interpret them

  • Apply significance tests and regression analysis to real data

  • Interpret p-values and confidence intervals effectively

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Recently updated!

October 2026

Assessments

22 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 21 modules in this course

This module explores how numbers are used in social science research, focusing on practical methods, critical thinking, and real-world applications. It simplifies the process of working with numerical data to make it more accessible and empowering for researchers. Learners will gain foundational knowledge and confidence in using numbers effectively in their studies.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamental differences between categorical and real numbers in social science, focusing on their classification, application, and significance in data analysis. Learners will gain an understanding of how numbers are used to represent and interpret social phenomena accurately.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module focuses on techniques for analyzing single variables in datasets, including summarizing categorical and numerical data, understanding distributions, and using measures of central tendency. Learners will gain skills in preparing data and interpreting statistical summaries effectively.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores how to analyze relationships between categorical variables using cross-tabulations, odds ratios, and frequency analysis. Learners will gain the skills to interpret real-world data and uncover meaningful patterns. The focus is on applying these techniques to practical examples and datasets.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores methods for comparing real numbers across categories, focusing on analyzing differences, standardizing results, and interpreting effect sizes. Learners will gain skills in assessing real-world data and understanding the practical implications of statistical differences. The module also introduces tools like the number needed to treat (NNT) for evaluating interventions.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamentals of significance tests, including chi-squared and t-tests, and how to interpret p-values. It addresses the limitations of statistical significance in research and provides guidance on how to report results without relying solely on p-values. Learners will gain critical thinking skills for evaluating statistical evidence in real-world scenarios.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the limitations of significance tests and introduces confidence intervals as more informative alternatives for statistical analysis. Learners will gain an understanding of how statistical methods can mislead if not interpreted correctly and how to apply more reliable approaches to data evaluation.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module explores the critical role of judgment in evaluating the trustworthiness, validity, and generalizability of research findings. Learners will develop skills in assessing the strength of evidence and interpreting analysis results through practical examples and exercises. It emphasizes how to apply the warrant principle to make informed judgments in research analysis.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamentals of research design, including how to define cases, select populations, and ensure research validity. Learners will gain an understanding of how design elements contribute to the trustworthiness and clarity of research. The module also covers practical exercises to evaluate and improve research quality.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamentals of sampling and population in research, covering techniques to select representative samples, the importance of sample size, and strategies to ensure validity and reliability in research findings.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

This module explores the concept of randomness in statistics, including how it is defined, how random samples are generated, and the challenges involved in ensuring true randomness. Learners will gain insight into the implications of randomness for social science research and data analysis.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module explores the causes and consequences of missing data in research, equipping learners with strategies to identify, report, and manage missing data effectively. It covers how to analyze its impact on study results and emphasizes best practices for minimizing bias and ensuring transparency in data reporting.

What's included

1 video10 readings1 assignment

This module covers advanced strategies for managing missing data, including practical techniques for identifying, analyzing, and handling missing values in datasets. Learners will gain an understanding of complex methods like multiple imputation and how to apply them to maintain data integrity and accuracy.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module explores the causes and implications of measurement errors in social science research. It covers how errors affect data reliability, validity, and interpretation, and provides strategies for assessing and mitigating their impact.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamentals of correlation analysis, focusing on Pearson's R, its applications in multivariate data, and the interpretation of real-world examples. Learners will gain an understanding of how to evaluate correlations, recognize their limitations, and apply them in practical scenarios.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module focuses on the principles of simple linear regression, including how to identify variables, interpret relationships, and apply regression models to make predictions. Learners will gain practical skills in analyzing data and understanding the foundations of statistical modeling.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module introduces learners to multiple linear regression, including how to model complex relationships using interactions and dummy variables. It covers the practical application of regression techniques with real-world datasets and emphasizes the importance of selecting relevant variables for accurate predictions.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module explores the key assumptions and limitations of multiple linear regression, including issues like case independence, hierarchical data structures, and multicollinearity. Learners will gain the knowledge to critically assess regression models and apply them appropriately in real-world scenarios.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module covers the fundamentals of binary logistic regression, including how to interpret log odds, apply the model to real-world scenarios, and adjust variables to improve predictive accuracy. Learners will explore how to use logistic regression for categorical outcomes and understand the impact of different predictor variables. The module also includes practical exercises to reinforce these concepts.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module covers essential techniques for data reduction, including factor analysis and reliability coefficients. Learners will gain an understanding of how to simplify complex datasets and evaluate questionnaire validity, while also recognizing the limitations of these methods in real-world scenarios.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module equips learners with the skills to present numeric results effectively through clear writing, tables, and visualizations. It covers strategies for simplifying complex data and communicating findings in a way that is accessible to diverse audiences. Learners will gain practical knowledge on improving readability and clarity in research reports.

What's included

1 video4 readings2 assignments

Instructor

Sage Instructors
Sage Publications
157 Courses7,884 learners

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