Efficiently use statistical measures, research, and survey data in your decision making 

Gain a better understanding of common data types, their purpose, and their limitations.  You will have opportunities to analyze the data your organization has available, identify data gaps, and assess the strength of your information.  You will also discover strategies for reporting data for different audiences. 

By the end of this class, you should be able to: 

1. Provide a general explanation of social scientific research design. 

1. Describe limitations of the scientific process in the everyday world. 

1. Explain the implications of various kinds of survey research and the advantages and disadvantages of each. 

1. Explain how a theory-based approach can be used in program planning and evaluation. 

1. Describe descriptive statistical measures and their use in elementary data analysis. 

Instructor: Patrick Jackson (PhD, Kent State University) is assistant dean for academic affairs for UW-Madison’s School of Human Ecology. His areas of expertise include student services, team development, conflict resolution, data-driven problem-solving, data analytics, human resources policies and procedures, and business acumen for private and public entities.