Statistical Analysis for Social Science, 5 cr

This course introduces students to the testing of causal hypotheses with statistical methods, focusing on social-science applications.  Causal inference in this setting requires melding the language of mathematical statistics with the reality of human decision-making. This course gives students an introduction to the math, and experience in translating the math to reality.

This course is a part of the Public Policy Analysis, Master’s programme in Social Science Research, which focuses on formulating and evaluating policy designs based on empirical data.  

The course is recommended for students who have completed an undergraduate level course in statistics or econometrics before attending the course.

The course consists of 20 lecture hours, small weekly assignments in groups, and one larger individual assignment. In the statistics component, focus is on quantitative research design and statistical analysis, primarily regression analysis.