A Review of Software Tools for Quantitative Data Analysis

If youre a  sociology student or budding social scientist and have started to work with quantitative (statistical) data, analytic software will be very useful. These programs force researchers to organize and clean their data and offer pre-programmed commands that allow everything from very basic to quite advanced forms of statistical analysis. They even offer useful visualizations that will be useful as you seek to interpret data, and that you may wish to use when presenting it to others. There are many programs on the market that are quite expensive. The good news for students and faculty is that most universities have licenses for at least one program students and professors can use. Also, most programs offer a free, pared-down version of the full software package which will often suffice. Heres a review of the three main programs that quantitative social scientists use. Statistical Package for  Social Science (SPSS) SPSS is the most popular quantitative analysis software program used by social scientists. Made and sold by IBM, it is comprehensive, flexible, and can be used with almost any type of data file. However, it is especially useful for analyzing large-scale survey data. It can be used to generate tabulated reports, charts, and plots of distributions and trends, as well as generate descriptive statistics such as means, medians, modes and frequencies in addition to more complex statistical analyses like regression models. SPSS provides a user interface that makes it easy and intuitive for all levels of users. With menus and dialogue boxes, you can perform analyses without having to write command syntax, like in other programs. It is also simple and easy to enter and edit data directly into the program. There are a few drawbacks, however, which might not make it the best program for some researchers. For example, there is a limit on the number of cases you can analyze. It is also difficult to account for weights, strata and group effects with SPSS. STATA STATA is an interactive data analysis program that runs on a variety of platforms. It can be used for both simple and complex statistical analyses. STATA uses a point-and-click interface as well as command syntax, which makes it easy to use. STATA also makes it simple to generate graphs and plots of data and results. Analysis in STATA is centered around four windows: command windowreview windowresult windowvariable window Analysis commands are entered into the command window and the review window records those commands. The variables window lists the variables that are available in the current data set along with the variable labels, and the results appear in the results window. SAS SAS, short for Statistical Analysis System, is also used by many businesses. In addition to statistical analysis, it also allows programmers to perform report writing, graphics, business planning, forecasting, quality improvement, project management and more. SAS is a great program for the intermediate and advanced user because it is very powerful; it can be used with extremely large datasets and can perform complex and advanced analyses. SAS is good for analyses that require you to take into account weights, strata, or groups. Unlike SPSS and STATA, SAS is run largely by programming syntax rather than point-and-click menus, so some knowledge of the programming language is required. Other Programs Other programs popular with sociologists include: R: Free to download and use. You can add your own programs to it if you are familiar with statistics and programming.NVio: It helps researchers organize and analyze complex non-numerical or unstructured data, both text and multimedia, according to UCLA Library.MATLAB: Provides Simulations, Multidimensional Data, Image and Signal Processing, according to NYU Libraries.

Drug Addiction Is A Complex Disease - 2376 Words

Many people do not understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. It is often mistakenly assumed that drug abusers lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop using drugs simply by choosing to change their behavior. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting takes more than good intentions or a strong will. In fact, because drugs change the brain in ways that foster compulsive drug abuse, quitting is difficult, even for those who are ready to do so. Through scientific advances, we know more about how drugs work in the brain than ever, and we also know that drug addiction can be successfully treated to help people stop abusing drugs and lead productive lives.In some cases criminal or anti-social behavior occurs when the person is under the influence of a drug, and long term personality changes in individuals may occur as well. In addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, use of some drugs may also lead to criminal p enalties, although these vary widely depending on the local jurisdiction.The initiation of drug and alcohol use is most likely to occur during adolescence, and some experimentation with substances by older adolescents is common.Drug addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the drug addict and those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structureShow MoreRelatedAddiction as a Disease: Addiction is a term that has traditionally been used to refer to1400 Words   |  6 PagesAddiction as a Disease: Addiction is a term that has traditionally been used to refer to psychiatric syndrome that is caused by illicit drug use. Actually, addition is the only psychiatric condition whose symptoms are regarded as an illegal activity. 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Social Components in Outsourcing for TELUS- myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theSocial Components in Outsourcing for TELUS International. Answer: Introduction The social component of outsourcing concentrates mainly on the corporate social responsibility aspects of the outsourcing process, (Chen, Wu Sun, 2016). A socially responsible outsourcing process should primarily cover three areas environmental protection, the health of employees and the society and compliance with the legal requirements. An excellent case study that can be used to evaluate the social component of outsourcing can be derived from TELUS International (2013). I have given the link to this case study in the reference list. A firm should take into consideration the social aspects of outsourcing due to the following reasons: Compliance with government regulations. Adding a social component to outsourcing enables a firm to understand the legal requirements guiding outsourcing in a particular country or region of operation, (McCarthy, Silvestre Kietzmann, 2013). Therefore, the firm will be able to operate within the set government regulations and avoid fines and penalties. Environmental protection. A firm should ensure that the activities outsourced does not cause environmental pollution, (Sparrow, 2012). It should, therefore, outsource operations to companies with sustainable operational strategies to ensure that the environment is conserved. Such instances as air pollution, water pollution, and soil erosion should be avoided. Health and safety of the community. When outsourcing operation to other firms, a company should consider the health and safety of the community members and the employees at large are protected, (Wagner, Lutz Weitz, 2013). Products which may emit harmful gases to the atmosphere should be produced with caution. It should outsource its activities to organizations with socially sustainable production approaches. Benefits of social components in outsourcing Eliminates chances of fines and penalties. Fines and penalties may increase an organization's operational costs. However, when an organization complies with the set outsourcing rules and regulations, chances of incurring penalties as a result of the breach of standards may be minimized. Governments may set rules and regulations to control every outsourcing activity, (Vitsek Manrodt, 2012). It can also come up with qualification procedures which must be followed by firms in identifying ideal organizations to assign specific activities. Improves the living standards of the community. When an organization outsources its activities to firms having sustainable operational procedures, health risks to the society will be minimized, (Sparrow, 2012). This enables the community members to enjoy a clean environment and healthy products. The living standards of a community may be improved through ensuring that they live in a clean environment, (Sparrow, 2012). This can be done by avoiding environmental pollution. The firms may also provide employment opportunities to the society as a way of improving their living status. Translates into profitability: Observing the welfare of the society in outsourcing makes the firm to be able to win the trust of the members of the community on its products, (Vitasek Manrodt, 2012). It will, therefore, develop customer loyalty, which in return translates into increased sales and profitability. Risks of social component in outsourcing Maybe expensive: Adding social elements to outsourcing process may be costly. This is because the firm will be forced to pay for the corporate social responsibility practices. These may include research to ensure product safety and closely monitoring suppliers to ensure they conform to the expectations of the community members, (Wagner, Lutz Weitz, 2013). Lack of qualified suppliers in the society: The CSR requirements in outsourcing propose that firms should source suppliers from the local community, (Wagner, Lutz Weitz, 2013). However, there may be no qualified suppliers locally. The firm may not be able to address all the issues affecting the society: The business may only address some issues in the society. However, some problems faced by these members may not be solved by the organization. This may still lead to poor relations with the members, (Wagner, Lutz Weitz, 2013). References Chen, L. S., Wu, C. Y., Sun, S. Y. (2016). How Factors Affect Value Creation and Satisfaction Of IT Outsourcing: The Social Perspective.International Journal of Business and Information,11(4), 466. McCarthy, I. P., Silvestre, B. S., Kietzmann, J. H. (2013). Understanding Outsourcing Contexts Through Information Asymmetry and Capability fit. Production Planning Control, 24(4-5), 277-283. Sparrow, E. (2012).Successful IT Outsourcing: from Choosing a Provider to Managing the Project. Springer Science Business Media. P. 15-82 TELUS International. (2013). Outsourcing for Social Good:. Impakt, 1-10. Retrieved November 1, 2017, from https://www.telusinternational.com/media/Outsourcing-for-Social-Good_A-BPO-Perspective_TELUS-Intl.pdf Vitasek, K., Manrodt, K. (2012). Vested Outsourcing: a Flexible Framework for CollaborativeOutsourcing. Strategic Outsourcing: An International Journal, 5(1), 4-14. Wagner, T., Lutz, R. J., Weitz, B. A. (2013, May). Corporate Hypocrisy: Overcoming the Threat Of Inconsistent Corporate Social Responsibility Perceptions. American Marketing Association.

The Daycare free essay sample

Last summer, when I could have been at the beach or in the mountains, I chose to go out to a not so popular recreational are by the name of Louisville, Kentucky. Instead of positioning my feet into the warm, white sand or diving into a crisp, cool mountain stream, I was voluntarily working at a nearby daycare for deprived children in the city. Though the situation would seem to be min-humbing, it was actually mind-humbling. As I exited our van to enter our new home for the week, I told myself that the week of giving up my vacation time was going to be worth it. Somehow though, the thought of the beach just couldnt erase itself from my mind. The whole night I was thinking of why I was really here, and I was quite disappointed with my decision. My mindset changed the next morning around 10:00 when the little children showed their faces for the first time at the daycare. We will write a custom essay sample on The Daycare or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When I saw their facial expressions, I could tell that they lived a different lifestyle than I did as a child. Some were scared to show themselves, others were pretending to be a member of a local gang, and others were attached to any person they could reach because of the lack of a family outside the institution. I immediately understood why God called me to this very daycare; I was called to become a role model in childrens lives, so they could grow into mature, God-loving adults unlike their parents. At the conclusion of the first day, my attitutde towards the trip changed from being unenthusiastic to being excited about the possibilities to come. As the week progressed, my relationship with the young ones grew closer, even the ones who cried as they were forced to introduce themselves to me opened up. I realized that these underprivileged children were no different than me, I had sterotyped people who may appear to be a little different than me. On the last day of our work, the little ones and I all gathered and simply conversed for about an hour about life, home, and the future. It amazed me that all of them had a difficulty in their families and many of their parents were put in jail for gang-related activity. I would not have figured this out if I was not aware that the daycare was actually an assisted living home for troubled people of all ages. After the conversation and good-bye time was over, I left for the hotel and packed my luggage in the van. Then we embarked on an 8 hour journey back home. During the 8 hour ride, I reflected on the weeks activities. I recollected my thoughts of wanting to be at the beach and was amazed at how much I was changed in 5 days. My mind was opened up to many children that, if I was not forced to talk to, I would have ignored and sterotyped. Also, I came to the conclusion that anyone can be a great person no matter what background or ethnic group he or she belonged. My week of volunteer work at a daycare in Louisville was a humbling, heart-opening experience that I will always remember because of the little children that forever impacted my life.