The aim of this course is to provide students with a hands-on learning experience conducting multivariate statistical analyses of large datasets.  The course will emphasize the conduct and interpretation of data analyses for substantively important questions. Class exercises and student projects will use a large composite dataset (N = 2,061,980) extracted from the 1997 thru 2018 National Health Interview Survey. NHIS is the USA’s largest in-person household health survey. In the words of CDC, “NHIS data are used to:  Monitor progress towards national health objectives;  Evaluate health policies and programs; and Track changes in health behaviors and health care use.”

Students will find this course easier if they have already obtained a good foundation in statistical theory — such as that provided by Soc 710 and 712.