Understanding, Utilising and Evaluating Government Statistics G (10337.1)

This unit focuses on the use of statistics and data analysis to inform economic policy making and policy analysis. The unit aims to increase participants' awareness and literacy in statistical and data analysis so that they can be informed and critical consumers of these forms of analysis, and so that they can ensure that analyses are used appropriately to inform best practice in using evidence in policy.

The unit is organised into three modules:
Statistical Language and Data Analysis - explores basic research methods, and how to perform simple descriptive statistics operations. Participants learn to understand statistical concepts and terminology, and to analyse, interpret and evaluate statistical information.
Using Statistics for Evidence-Based and Fast Policy-Making - examines the concept of evidence-based policy making and what this means in the context of economic policy. It examines how good statistics can enhance policy decision making, and how statistics can inform 'good enough' policy making. Explores newer methods for doing policy, such as big data analysis, qualitative comparative analysis, randomised control trials.
Data Evaluation and Communication - covers the ingredients of best practice in program and policy evaluation, including new methods for data analysis and visualisation. This module also explores the challenges of strategic communication and policy messaging when complex statistical information underpins policy.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Understand and analyse up-to-date statistical analysis common in APS work environments, including cutting-edge techniques;
2. Utilise data and statistical information critically, to inform better evidence-based policy making, to solve real-world problems facing Australia;
3. Think broadly about the opportunities that statistics and data analysis make available to graduates as APS employees can be utilised to understand and solve issues in their work environment;
4. Communicate strategically to help others of different cultural or professional backgrounds to understand complex data and information in ways that leads to better policy outcomes;
5. Engage with new ideas, new technologies, and new thinking about how to analyse complex social problems; and
6. Work collaboratively to solve complex problems.

Corequisites

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.