Using Existing Statistics to Test Social Disorganization Theory

Author(s)

Jana Jasinski, University of Central Florida

Learning Goals

Skill

To be able to read and understand the information presented
in tabular format.
Using software to access and analyze census data
Identifying independent and dependent variables
Forming testable hypotheses using quantitative data
Learning how to construct, read, and interpret bivariate
tables displaying frequencies and percentages
Using real world data to enhance and support key course
concepts

Substance

To be able to assemble data from multiple tables and use to
make a conclusion about the level of support for social disorganization theory.

Context for Use

This activity is used in a Sociology of Violence class for undergraduate students. This activity
uses Census data to look at the correlation between marriage, crime and
welfare services.

This module is used in an online Criminology Course. The students have read their textbook discussing social disorganization theory and in this data analysis exercise will have the opportunity to test this theory with data obtained from the Census Bureau.

Teaching Notes and Tips

This module is used in an online Criminology Course. The students have read their textbook
discussing social disorganization theory and in this data analysis
exercise will have the opportunity to test this theory with data
obtained from the Census Bureau. This activity uses Statistical
Abstracts from the Census Data website.