Course # 31002 Section Number 1 Day(s) Tu- Th Time(s) 9:30am-10:50am Term Fall 2025 Course Instructor Eyal Frank Syllabus Syllabus 10/2/24 Must be a Harris masters student to enroll. No exceptions for non-Harris students, even by consent. This course aims to provide a basic understanding of statistical analysis in policy research. Fundamental to understanding and using statistical analysis is the realization that data does not emerge perfect and fully formed from a vacuum. An appreciation of the provenance of the data, the way it was collected, why it was collected, is necessary for effective analysis. Equally important is an understanding of the nature of the statistical inference being attempted the course will distinguish between model-based and design-based inference. There will be some emphasis placed on sampling from finite populations and on data from survey research. The emphasis of the course is on the use of statistical methods rather than on the mathematical foundations of statistics. Because of the wide variety of backgrounds of participating students, the course will make no assumptions about prior knowledge, apart from arithmetic. For students with a strong technical background, the aim of the course is to increase their understanding of the reasoning underlying the methods, and to deepen their appreciation of the kinds of substantive problems that can be addressed by the statistical methods described. Notes Students must register separately for both a lecture (PPHA 31002) and a discussion (PPHA 31004). Attendance at discussions is optional but encouraged for this course. Course Prerequisite Must be a Harris masters student to enroll. Recent News More news Q&A: Assistant Professor Erin Kelley on Her Work in Program Evaluation, International Development, and With the World Bank Wed., July 09, 2025 University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth Launch New Pathbreaking Master’s Program in Climate and Energy Policy Tue., July 08, 2025 Provost Katherine Baicker Appointed Emmett Dedmon Distinguished Service Professor Thu., July 03, 2025 Upcoming Events More events Berkeley Harris Alumni Hike and Gathering Sun., July 13, 2025 | 10:30 AM Stonewall-Panoramic Trailhead 99 Stonewall Rd Berkeley, CA 94705 United States Harris Summer Campus Visit Mon., July 14, 2025 | 10:00 AM Harris School of Public Policy 1307 E 60th St Chicago, IL 60637 United States Get to Know Harris! MACRM and PhD Information Session Mon., July 14, 2025 | 12:00 PM