Overview
PA397 introduces students to fundamental management science and statistical techniques that are essential for making and evaluating public policy. The course also provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of computer software that is widely used in analyzing quantitative data.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester, students should have a firm understanding of…
the logic underlying descriptive statistics, basic probability, sampling, inferential statistics, regression, decision theory, and mathematical programming;
the importance of judgment in drawing inferences from data and building mathematical models; and
the “ins and outs” of STATA and Excel Solver
In addition, students should be able to…
interpret the results of statistical analyses and mathematical models used in public policy research done by others;
use appropriate statistical analyses and mathematical models in their own work; and
present the results of statistical analyses and mathematical models effectively.