PSCI 293
Empirical Methods in Political Economy Fall 2025
Division II Q Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
Cross-listed POEC 253

This course introduces students to common empirical tools used in policy analysis and implementation. Students will develop skills in statistical literacy to become critical consumers of public policy-relevant research. The emphasis in the course is split between an intuitive understanding of statistical foundations, and applications in data visualization and science communication. Through hands-on work with data and critical assessment of existing empirical social scientific research, students will develop the ability to choose and employ the appropriate tool for a particular research problem, and to understand the limitations of the techniques. Topics to be covered include basic principles of probability; effective data visualization; statistical inference and hypothesis testing; and multiple regression analysis. A particular focus will be placed on understanding causality, the challenges of estimating causal relationships, and the design of evidence-based policy. Throughout the course, the focus will be on public policy applications relevant to the fields of political science, sociology, and public health, as well as to economics.