2.1 — Data 101 & Descriptive Statistics — Class Content
Upcoming Assignment
Problem Set 1 is due on Wednesday September 21.
Overview
Today we begin with a review and overview of using data and descriptive statistics. We want to quantify characteristics about samples as statistics, which we will later use to infer things about populations (between which we will later identify causal relationships).
Next class will be on random variables and distributions. This full week is your crash course/review of basic statistics that we will need to start the “meat and potatoes” of this class: linear regression next Thursday As such, I’ll give you a brief homework next week to review these statistical concepts (with minimal use of R!).
Readings
- Math and Probability Background Appendix A in Bailey
Now that we return to the statistics, we will do a minimal overview of basic statistics and distributions. Review Bailey’s appendices. Today, only A is really useful, the rest will come next class.
Chapter 2 is optional, but will give you a good overview of using data.
Appendix
See the online appendix for today’s content:
Slides
Below, you can find the slides in two formats. Clicking the image will bring you to the html version of the slides in a new tab. The lower button will allow you to download a PDF version of the slides.
I suggest printing the slides beforehand and using them to take additional notes in class (not everything is in the slides)!
Assignments
Problem Set 1 Due Wed Sep 21
Problem Set 1 is due by the end of the day Wednesday September 21 on Blackboard assignments.