Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the starting century for the usage of statistics in social studies in Western Europe?
What is the starting century for the usage of statistics in social studies in Western Europe?
17th century
What was one of the first published studies focused on?
What was one of the first published studies focused on?
The first U.S. census occurred in 1800.
The first U.S. census occurred in 1800.
False
When did the Canadian government conduct its first Census?
When did the Canadian government conduct its first Census?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an example of intentional harm in data collection?
What is an example of intentional harm in data collection?
Signup and view all the answers
Unintentional harm can occur if the sample is not representative of the general population.
Unintentional harm can occur if the sample is not representative of the general population.
Signup and view all the answers
What was the major concern regarding the IQ tests used in Eugenics?
What was the major concern regarding the IQ tests used in Eugenics?
Signup and view all the answers
The first census conducted in the U.S. was in _____.
The first census conducted in the U.S. was in _____.
Signup and view all the answers
What caused a sharp drop in vaccination rates in 1998?
What caused a sharp drop in vaccination rates in 1998?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
The History of Quantification in Social Science
- Quantification in social science began in Europe in the 17th century, focusing on collecting data about local populations.
- This involved demographics like age, race, sex, employment, income, and education.
- The first published study was a demographic study.
- The first register of births, weddings, and deaths was ordered in France by the minister.
- In the 18th and 19th centuries, statistics were used to understand social realities such as court verdicts, election results, hospital organization, poverty, and suicide.
The Emergence of Quantification in Social Science
- Surveys of entire populations became commonplace with the introduction of the Census.
- The first US census occurred in 1790.
- Laws were passed in Quebec in 1867 to collect data on education, agriculture, municipalities, and civil status.
- This data was collected through door-to-door interviews.
- The Canadian government conducted its first census around this time.
- The census is currently conducted every 5 years.
Potential Harms of Data Collection
- Data collection carries the potential for harm.
- Intentional harm includes deliberate manipulation of data and research results, such as rigging experiments, manipulating data presentation, and outright fraud.
- Unintentional harm includes using non-representative samples, being influenced by confounds, media misrepresentation, and experimenter influence.
- Unanticipated harm can occur, such as the use of IQ tests in the eugenics movement which led to forced sterilization.
Use of Numbers & Measurement Related Harms
- It's important to critically evaluate the results of studies and not solely rely on the media or the peer review process.
- Peer review is not flawless, and studies can be flawed or manipulated.
- For example, the Lancet published a study linking the MMR vaccine to autism, which led to a sharp drop in vaccination rates and an increase in measles and mumps cases, resulting in deaths.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the evolution of quantification in social science, beginning in the 17th century with data collection focused on local populations. This quiz covers key developments, including the introduction of the Census and significant demographic studies throughout Europe and North America.
