PUBPOL 2100

Introduction to Statistics

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

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.

Enrollment Priority 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.

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

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP, 2021FA

Outcomes

• 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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