Sociology 303: Assignment 3

Central Tendency

Part A: By hand

1. In Blalock: On Page 72, Problem 2.

2. In Blalock: On Page 72, Problem 6.

3. The data below represent the scores on your latest homework. Calculate by hand the mean, median, range, standard deviation, and skewness. Interpret your results.

8,7,6,5,6,9,8,7,10,4,2,6,7,8,7,9,8,7,10.

The next set of data represents the scores on the same homework assignment by last semester's class. Calculate by hand the mean, median, range, standard deviation, and skewness. Compare the results from the two classes and interpret. Who did better on the homework? Why do you think this?

10,10,9,8,3,2,7,8,6,7,2,4,9,10,9,4,3,9,10.

Part B: Stata:

1. Use the data set humandev.dta and examine the variable pop1988. Using the summarizing and graphical techniques we have learned so far do the following:

a. Give the Mean and Median.

b. Draw a reasonable histogram of the data. (You may need to recode)

c. Describe the distribution. Based on your observations of the distribution, should the mean or median be higher? Why? Which would you use as an indicator of central tendency and why?

2. I have placed a new data set in the public data area called rincome.dta.

(K:\nd.edu\user19\dmyers\Public\rincome.dta)

This data set has the data on income used in the last homework assignment plus the race of each person who reported their income. Using what you have learned so far in the class, compare the distribution of income across race and report the results.