Critical Thinking with Data

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course introduces students to concepts in statistics and philosophy with an emphasis on critically thinking about the uses and limits of data analysis. The course interweaves three aspects: statistical tools, philosophical issues, and case studies. Students will learn basic descriptive statistics as well as be introduced to the concepts of linear regression, hypothesis testing, and randomized controlled trials. Philosophical debates brought to bear on these concepts include the relation between data and theory, how to interpret probability, and the nature of causal claims. The application of these topics will be examined through case studies such as on race, gender, medicine, climate change, and poverty. The aim is to enable the student to be a critical consumer of data, equipped with both statistical and philosophical concepts with which to critically examine the use of data for suitability, accuracy, reliability, bias and context