Quantitative Methods I – PLCY 810
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
Quantitative Analysis I discusses probability theory and hypothesis testing within the context of public policy decision-making. As an introduction to basic statistical distributions, this course covers the tests of difference in means, proportions, basic generalized linear themes such as regression and ANOVA. Also introduced are commonly encountered nonparametric tests.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
Students will learn to apply quantitative methods best practices in a manner applicable to the public administration sector. Ethical and Biblical principles will be applied to the management of data and presentation of results.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings, journal articles, government reports, websites, and lecture presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (4)
The student will take part in 4 Discussions in which he/she will post a 750-800 word thread presenting his/her own opinion on the assigned topic. The thread must incorporate ideas and citations from all of the required readings and presentations for the assigned module: week in addition to 2 scholarly sources. Then, the student will post replies of 200–250 words each to 3 or more classmates’ threads. Each reply must be unique and must integrate ideas (and citations) from the required reading and 2 scholarly sources. Each thread and reply must follow current APA format. The student must post his/her comments in body of the discussions and not as a file. See the grading rubric for specific guidelines and grading procedures.
Research Paper Assignments (2)
This course requires 2 data analysis assignments which help the student explore 2 of the 4 main components of quantitative methods: research design and strategic literature review. The assignments will be submitted in a Word document, APA current edition format, and supported by course readings and outside peer-reviewed journals, as appropriate. Each assignment must have 12-14 pages of content and a minimum of 20 scholarly sources.
Data Analysis Assignments (2)
This course requires 2 data analysis assignments which help the student explore 2 of the 4 main components of quantitative methods: data analysis in SPSS and results interpretation and presentation. Students will be required to perform hands on analysis in SPSS using downloadable datasets accompanying the Pallant (2020) textbook. The assignments will be submitted in a Word document, APA current edition format, and supported by course readings and outside peer-reviewed journals, as appropriate.
Data Analysis: Analysis and Interpretation Assignment Instructions
The student will use SPSS to provide answers for two analysis questions.
Data Analysis: Results Presentation Assignment
Using the results from the previous assignment, the student will prepare a research paper to investigate findings on either the sleep.sav or staffsurvey.sav datafiles. The paper must include 12-14 pages of content and citations from all assigned textbook readings for the assigned module and a minimum of 20 scholarly sources.
