About
The Data Analyst Workflow is a set of tasks you need to complete to produce part of your presentation, while the discussion is where you check in with your peers and me about the workflow.
Data Analysis "is the process of systematically applying statistical and/or logical techniques to describe and illustrate, condense and recap, and evaluate data." Data analysts work with spreadsheets, collections of spreadsheets (also called databases), and data analysis software. We typically use software by "pointing and clicking." However, software can be "programmed" as well.
Learning Objectives
By the completion of this workflow, you will be able to:
- Remember what data analysis is
- Understand the utility of causal models
- Apply causal models to your public problem
- Analyze data for patterns related to your public problem’s causes or effects
- Evaluate the utility of data analysis in explaining a public problem
- Create a Data Analyst Highlight slide
Assignment
The purpose of the following tasks is to: introduce yourself to 2 data analysis software, read about causal models, create 3 causal models related to your public problem, and create a presentation slide.
Step 1: Overview of data analysis software
The purpose of this step is to learn about 2 industry-leading software for data analysis. You are NOT expected to use this software for this workflow. I just want you to know that it exists, so in the future when you hear about data analysis, you can recall: "Hey, I remember there is data analysis software called R Studio and/or STATA!"
- Watch R Studio Overview
- As an alternative to watching the video, visit R Studio interface by Bookdown to read about the R Studio interface.
- Watch Tour of STATA 16 Interface
- As an alternative to watching the video, visit Stata's interface to read about the STATA interface.
Step 2: Explore causal models
The purpose of this step is to read 2 short articles that explain causal models and the causal modeling process. This is important for you to read so that you can complete the next step of drawing or creating your own causal models related to your specific public problem.
- Read Youngblut, J. M. 1994. "A Consumer’s Guide to Causal Modeling: Part I." Journal of Pediatric Nursing 9(4): 268–71.
- Read Youngblut, J. M. 1994. "A Consumer’s Guide to Causal Modeling: Part II." Journal of Pediatric Nursing 9(6): 409–13.
Step 3: Identify your unit of observation
The purpose of this step is to consider what you are observing, before clarifying the relationship between cause and effect.
You need to think about the unit of observation your public problem affects. Units of observation are the objects that are affected by the public problem, which can be people, school districts, cities, counties, states, or countries.
So, what is your unit of observation?
I want to reiterate that your unit of observation should be people, school districts, cities, counties, states, or countries, unless you have a logical argument for it to be some other unit.
Step 4: Draw/Create 3 causal models related to your public problem
The purpose of this step is to apply your knowledge of causal models to your specific public problem. The way you apply your knowledge is by drawing 3 causal models using pen and paper or creating 3 causal models using software such as draw.io related to your public problem.
- First causal model
- Second causal model
- Third causal model
While we are using the language of "causes" and "effects," there are other terms that are more appropriately use in analyzing causal relations. Causes can also be known as "independent variables" or "treatments." Effects can also be known as "dependent variables" or "outcomes."
Step 5: Create your Data Analyst Highlight presentation slide
The purpose of this step is to reflect on these steps by explaining what you liked or disliked about the process, place 1 or more of your drawn/created causal models in a presentation slide, find a data table, chart, or graph related to your public problem, and place it in the presentation slide.
A Google Slides Presentation Template is available to assist you in preparing this slide for your presentation.
Discussion
As you progress through the public policy project and the analyst workflows, please check in with me and your peers at our discussion.
- Post any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions that you'd like to share with me and your peers.
- If you don't have any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions, then feel free to post that as well.
Estimated Time
An estimated 2 hours is needed to complete this assignment and discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to include the file or link to my completed slide in the discussion?
- One aspect of the public policy project is that you are given autonomy to progress through your work.
- You do not need to upload or link to your presentation in your check in post.
Can I include a file or link to my slide in my discussion post?
- Some students use the discussion to hold themselves personally accountable for making progress on the public policy project.
- Therefore, you are welcome to include a file or link to your slide or presentation. I will review and provide my feedback in the discussion.