STA3100 Evaluating Information
STA3100 cannot be taken in conjunction with STA2300 Data Analysis.
Students are introduced to basic concepts and tools commonly involved in collecting, managing, summarizing, analysing, interpreting, and presenting quantitative data. The course has been designed for students in the social sciences by its choice of topics, examples, and exercises. No prior statistical or mathematical knowledge is assumed. Methods of descriptive and inferential statistics are introduced. Issues related to causation and confounding; the nature of variability, the reliability of summary statistics, the limitations and assumptions underpinning statistical techniques; the appropriate use of language in interpreting an analysis; and the use of computer output in understanding data summary and analysis are explored. The emphasis is on the concepts, interpretations, and applications of statistics as used in the analysis of social science data, rather than on mathematical or computational aspects. The use of case studies is emphasised and writing of reports facilitated.