Applying Information, Research, and Analysis II

This is the second course in a two-course sequence (following PAF 9170) that provides an introduction to the uses of information in public management. Both courses integrate approaches from research design, statistical analysis, and information systems. In both courses students develop expertise as consumers of research and capabilities in understanding and using the information within and available to their organizations. Learning is pragmatic and includes the use of illustrative cases, hands-on use of computers, and student-centered activities such as team projects. Topics in this second course include summarizing and describing data; sampling and estimating population characteristics; testing experimental and quasi-experimental hypotheses; assessing relationships between two variables; and the interpretation of regression analysis.