PAI680.16 Statistical Tools Applied to Political Analysis

Taught in Spanish at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica; may not be offered every semester.  This course introduces some concepts and statistical tools to be applied to the study of political science. These tools allow users to express precise hypotheses about political phenomena and to test these hypotheses in a systematic way, quantify uncertainty of estimates, interpret results, and visualize data in a simple way. Most of the tools will allow the development of linear models (multi-varied) regarding processes of political data generation. The course has a theoretical-practical orientation towards the development of skills, and execution of statistical procedures in the R software environment and Rstudio.

After completing the course, you’ll be able to

  • Explain the importance of measurement of political concepts and its consequences for quantitative data analysis.
  • Apply descriptive and inferential statistical tools to the analysis of political phenomena.
  • Critically evaluate the results of quantitative research in political science.
  • Test statistical hypotheses regarding political phenomena.
  • Design, execute, interpret, and evaluate ordinary least square models.
  • Critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of political analysis through observational data.
  • Use R software at a basic level to process and analyze data.

Credit awarded is subject to contact hours, which may vary from semester to semester.

(PUC #ICP 5009)

Department: Public Administration and International Affairs

Location: Santiago

Credits: 3