PUAD715 - Methodological Reasoning and Quantitative Analysis

Description:
Students learn to apply fundamental methodological concepts and analytical tools necessary for contributing to administrative and policy discussions, critically assessing quantitative and qualitative research, and making informed administrative and policy decisions. The goal is to have students become confident applying statistical concepts and tools for critical analysis and professional decision-making. Students also apply concepts and tools necessary to evaluate and use appropriate evidence to make effective administrative and policy arguments. Finally, students develop skills for effectively communicating analysis methods and conclusions with colleagues, elected officials, the media, and the public.

Outcomes:

• Evaluate the validity and relevance of scholarly research and professional reports using methodological reasoning
• Make recommendations related to policies and programs based on scholarly and professional research
• Analyze and interpret data by employing fundamental research methods and statistical and visual presentation techniques
• Develop sound arguments about the appropriate application of research methods used to examine important administrative and policy questions
• Effectively communicate analysis methods and conclusions to diverse audiences

Required Text(s):

Utts, J. (2015). Seeing through statistics (4th ed.). Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781285050881