Understanding, Utilising and Evaluating Government Statistics G (10337.2)
Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
---|---|---|
View teaching periods | On-campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Business, Government & Law |
Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
Canberra School Of Politics, Economics And Society | Graduate Level | Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan Social Work_Exclude 0905) Band 5 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
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. Increased awareness and literacy in statistical and data analysis;
2. Informed and critical consumers of these statistical analyses, and a knoweledge of how to use such analyses appropriately when using evidence in policy making;
3. Ability to create and propose appropriate policy advice using a range of evidence;
4. Ability to professionally communicate and work with internal and external stakeholders; and
5. Ability to present knowledge, ideas and opinions effectively and communicate them within a work environment.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways
Skills development
In this unit, students are not expected to have prior skills in data analysis. The unit does not seek to teach advanced statistical analysis skills. Instead, it seeks to build skills that enable students to:
- have familiarity with a number of major datasets
- critically evaluate the quality and useability of different data sets and different types of data
- understand the opportunities and limitations associated with different types of data, including qualitative and quantitative data
- implement data ethics and integrity principles to ensure data are collected, analysed and reported in ways that respect the rights of all people and contribute to positive outcomes
- critically analyse the way data are drawn on to make claims in documents such as policy briefs
- understand different approaches to data analysis and modelling and their pros and cons
- produce descriptive data analysis and visualisation that applies key principles of good data visualisation.
Students are expected to have a laptop available to work on during classes, with Microsoft Excel accessible on it.
Prerequisites
None.Corequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
None.Assumed knowledge
None.Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 4 | 04 August 2025 | On-campus | Dr Jacki Schirmer |
2025 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 5 | 29 September 2025 | On-campus | Dr Juan Castilla Rho |
Required texts
The Canvas site for the unit provides readings associated with different modules within the unit.
Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.
Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.
UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).
UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.
Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.
Participation requirements
None
Required IT skills
Students are required to use Microsoft Excel as part of the course. Previous familiarity with this software is not required.
Work placement, internships or practicums
None