Preface

This is a revision
of one of the Social Science Instructional Modules developed in 1988 under
the auspices of the California State University Social Science Research and
Instructional Council with a grant from the Academic Computing Enhancement
Institute of the California State University Chancellor's Office. The purpose
of the modules was to integrate social science concepts and content with quantitative
data analysis skills. Each module explored a contemporary issue with California
data. They were designed to be used by students with little or no background
in quantitative data analysis. Since they assumed little prior knowledge or
computer skill, we hoped professors would find them easy to integrate into
courses and that both students and professors would find them to be valuable
additions to undergraduate social science education.

California
Opinions on Women's Issues: 1985-1995
revises and updates both
The Status and Roles of American Women
and California Opinions on Women's
Issues: 1985-1991
using the 1995, 1991, and 1985 Field Polls on women's
issues. The first few chapters are quite similar to the original module; new
chapters consider the analysis of opinion change over time.

We wish to thank
the California State University, Fresno Research Minigrant Program for research
assistance, the Field Institute for the use of the Field Poll data, and our
colleagues on the Social Science Research and Instructional Council for their
support and assistance. We especially thank Susan Garfin, John Korey, and
Richard Shaffer for reading and making comments on earlier drafts.