The goal of this course is to extend the student's knowledge of statistical techniques for use with social science data beyond that acquired in PPOL G 604 and 605. The course seeks to deepen the student's understanding of multiple regression estimation, by further examination of problems associated with choosing a proper model and estimating its parameters. As with other methods labs, the course has a strong practical bias, with emphasis on statistical and econometric theory kept to a minimum. This course is concerned with the determinants of health policy in the US, including the decisions and non-decisions made by institutional and political actors at all levels of government, and by private sector actors. I This course is taught as a practicum.
Students work in teams providing professional services to public and non-profit agencies.
The course focuses on the acquisition and application of techniques for policy planning and evaluation, and program development, both qualitative and quantitative, technical and political. Ethical issues arising from policy planning and implementation are also considered. A continuation of PPOL G 780. Students must make individual arrangements with faculty members regarding the amount of individual supervision to be provided and the outcome of the independent study. The research aspect of the course covers defining a proposal and a thesis, selecting a topic, literature search and data collection, alternative methodologies, and selecting an advisor and a thesis committee.