0012 - Basics of Modern Statistics and Analysis

Course Description

Overview 

Data analysis is critical for evidence-based decision-making and policy development. For those who lead or inform decision-making, fundamental skills in basic statistics and empirical analysis are vital for drawing relevant conclusions from public data. 
 
This eight-week course teaches you the basics of modern statistics and the analysis tools and techniques used by social scientists to support policy development. It covers hypothesis testing and multivariate regression models, and offers opportunities for you to become familiar with conducting statistical analysis through the construction of scripts using R. It’s designed for beginners with no prior coding or analytics experience, as you will establish a foundational background in statistical analysis. Individuals with prior mathematics and statistics experience are more likely to grasp the concepts in this course with ease. 
 
This course is offered individually, or as part of the three-course Data Analytics for Behavioural Insights certificate program. You will receive a certificate for each individual course you successfully complete, and then a certificate upon successful completion of the entire program. 

Who Should Enroll 

• Policymakers: Do you develop policies for any public service sector (e.g., health care or municipalities)? Understand how modern data analytics techniques can better inform your decisions. 
• Public servants, non-profit and community leaders: Are you working in public service or leading a business improvement area, non-profit, or public office? Gain behavioural insights that can be used to inform your work, improve your community, and increase your chances of success when competing for funding. 
• Public service organizations: Do you primarily serve the public sector or the general public? Elevate your understanding about your customers and partners and learn to make more informed decisions that better serve public interest. 

What you will learn 

• Practice hands-on statistical and regression analysis techniques and apply them to public policy. 
• Understand basic statistics, hypothesis testing, and multivariate regression?models and how they can be used for policy development. 
• Install R and get a step-by-step introduction on how to use it to run simple commands. 
• Use R to gain knowledge about introductory methods of coding and statistics. 

Course Details 

• Instruction from professional data experts in a course designed by University of Waterloo faculty. 
• Opportunities to discuss your learning with others in the course. 
• Curated case studies and content based on Canadian public data. 
• Regular quizzes to test your knowledge throughout the course. 
• Capstone project that integrates your learning. 
• Attendance requirement: It is highly recommended that participants attend live Q&A sessions, but it is not required. Sessions will be recorded and available for all participants to view.