PUBPOL 2100

Introduction to Statistics

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

The course introduces students to standard methods of describing and analyzing data, probability theory, statistical inference, and ordinary least squares. Students will learn to describe data with summary tables and charts, understand and apply probability theory to data, understand sampling distributions, conduct hypothesis tests, estimate regressions, and interpret statistical findings. Students will also learn to use the basics of Excel to analyze data.

When Offered Spring.

Permission Note Enrollment limited to: undergraduate students excluding Public Policy and Health Care Policy majors. Students majoring in Public Policy or Health Care Policy should enroll in PUBPOL 2101 instead.
Forbidden Overlaps Forbidden Overlap: due to an overlap in content, students will receive credit for only one course in the following group: AEM 2100, BTRY 3010, BTRY 6010, CRP 1200, ENGRD 2700, HADM 2010, ILRST 2100, ILRST 6100, MATH 1710, PUBPOL 2100, PUBPOL 2101, PSYCH 2500, SOC 3010, STSCI 2100, STSCI 2150, STSCI 2200.

Distribution Category (MQR-HE) (MQL-AG, OPHLS-AG)

Comments PAM and HCP majors should complete PUBPOL 2101 instead.

• Describe large datasets using summary statistics including both central tendencies and spread.
• Use probability theory to evaluate the expected value of future events.
• Use inferential statistics tools to conduct hypothesis tests about proportions, means, and multiple means.
• Estimate basic regressions using both bivariate and multivariate ordinary least squares.
• Write an original research paper using a difference-in-difference estimator.
• Use Excel to conduct basic statistical, data, and graphical analysis.

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