Based on quantitative data used in Robert D. Putnam's book, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, the exercises on this Web site introduce you to an investigation of Putnam's claim about social change in America--that community is declining. Next, the exercises guide you in an investigation into why this is happening, whether it matters (so what), and what is to be done about it in the future. Overall, the exercises illustrate social science investigation and build your skills in data analysis.

Sentences and characteristics of convicted felons based on data collected from state courts.