1. Courses
  2. Introduction to Statistics
Bookcase

Introduction to Statistics

POLS 285
Winter 2027
3 Units
In-person
3

Course Description

This course is an introduction to quantitative approaches to political science research. You will learn how to use quantitative techniques to make causal and descriptive inferences. You will also gain basic familiarity with Stata, a widely used statistical software package. The course will consist of weekly lectures and tutorials. Tutorials will involve seminar-style discussions and computer and pencil-and-paper based problems. No prior background in statistics is assumed or required.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Understand basic principles of statistical inference.
  2. Evaluate descriptive and causal claims found in the news, and a variety of academic and non-academic fields.
  3. Apply basic principles and tools of statistical inference to a variety of problems.
  4. Develop foundation for more advanced courses in statistics and data science.