POL 52A: Basic Statistics for Social and Political AnalysisInstructor: Alejandro Trelles Prerequisites: None Course Description: Course Overview</br></br>This course serves as an introduction to the scientific study of politics. Social Science disciplines have seen an increase in the use of statistical methods over the last few decades. Becoming familiar with basic statistical methodology will help you to prepare for a career as a social scientist as well as to better understand and make sense of all the information around us (news reports, political campaigns, public opinion surveys, etc.). This course is designed to provide a foundation in statistics focusing on descriptive statistics, inference, causal relationships, hypothesis testing, and the basics of bivariate statistics and regression analysis. </br></br>Learning Goals</br>Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:</br>a) formulate a research question, theory, and hypotheses, </br>b) identify the causal relationship between a dependent and independent variable, </br>c) understand the process of operationalization and measurement, </br>d) describe, manipulate and summarize data; b) interpret, evaluate, and use descriptive analysis (univariate statistics); c) complete and interpret inferential statistical data analyses (bivariate statistics); d) generate and interpret basic regression models; e) apply statistical models to real world research questions; f) think critically about arguments, based on the evaluation of evidence; g) articulate reasoned arguments in written form; and h) use the concepts and quantitative methods frequently used in political science to conduct research and analysis. </br></br>Students will gain familiarity with a variety of research methods for understanding politics using statistical analysis. They will learn how to apply statistics to gain knowledge about the distinctive features of political institutions and the political behavior of individuals. Students will learn to use one of the most widely used statistical software packages in the social sciences (Stata). Students will use this software to manage, inspect, and describe quantitative data for both class assignments and their final research project. This course satisfies both the quantitative and digital literacy educational requirements. Session: Session I Day: M, T, W, Th Time: 11:20am - 1:40pm Credit Hours: 4 Credits Course Format: Remote Learning Course for Summer 2024 Brandeis Graduation Requirement Fulfilled: DL, QR, SS Enrollment Limit: 30 students Course Classification: Undergraduate Level Course Course Tuition: $3,700 Course Fees: None Open to High School Students: No |
