SUNY College at Buffalo Sociology 301 (Social Statistics)
Homework #3: To be due at the beginning of the last class prior to the first exam
Dr. ZHANG Jie

Submit your work in a Word file with the homework #, your name, and the date on top of it. You need to copy the question before you answer each of them. The highest possible score for this homework is 10.

Essay Question 1:

Calculate the mode, median, and mean for the following data (You should use both computer and a calculator for this work.):

Score    Frequency

29        4
22        1
44        8
23        1
45        5
26        1
40        10
30        2
49        1
31        2
24        1
32        2
47        8
33        5
48        2
35        6
39        8
50        2

Draw a graph to illustrate the distribution of the data, and explain the shape of the distribution (normal or skewed, and positive or negative).  You should put the data in computer and then compare your findings from the SPSS program with your findings from your calculator work.

Essay Question 2:

Illustrate the three central tendency measures with examples, tell how we calculate each of them, explain when we use each of them, and comment on their advantages and disadvantages (problems).

Essay Question 3:

How do the three measures of central tendency show on a distribution graph?  Is there a pattern in terms of the order of them?  Use a graph to illustrate and use a paragraph to explain.

Essay Question 4:

In a skewed distribution, why is the median the most desirable measure of central tendency?  How is the distribution of salaries in America skewed?  Which measure of central tendency do union leaders prefer to use and why?

Computer Assignment:

Find a variable in the data set in the SPSS program run its central tendencies.  Create a computerized graph to illustrate the frequencies of the variable.