Data Analysis for Decision Makers

3 credits · School of Public Policy

This course equips public affairs practitioners to analyze and interpret data as an essential input in their decisions, with an emphasis on being informed consumers rather than original producers of quantitative analysis. Students will solidify their understanding of basic statistical concepts (including probability, sampling, and hypothesis-testing), examine the application of these concepts in common research methods, explore publicly available data sources used commonly in the practice of public affairs, and gain exposure to statistical software applications. They will also strengthen their data visualization and presentation skills through a series of applied assignments.