The Essential Guide to Stata from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

An essential introduction to stata
Data manipulation in stata
Data visualisation in stata
Data analysis in stata
Regression modelling in stata
Simulation in stata
Count data modelling
Categorical data modelling

Survival analysis
Panel data analysis
Epidemiology
Instrumental variables
Power analysis
Difference-in-differences
Show more
Show less

An essential introduction to stata
Data manipulation in stata
Data visualisation in stata
Data analysis in stata
Regression modelling in stata
Simulation in stata
Count data modelling
Categorical data modelling
Survival analysis
Panel data analysis
Epidemiology
Instrumental variables
Power analysis
Difference-in-differences
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

Getting Started

Learn about the basic Stata interface. What does each window do and how do you interact with them?

If there's ONE thing you need to know how to use it's how to use help. Once you can use help you can "help" yourself. Learn about the different ways you can find help inside and outside Stata.

This course is taught via the command syntax (code). Professionals do not use 'point-and-click' to do their work but write all their analysis in code. Learn about the basic Stata syntax and how it works.

Stata is modular and uses something called .do and .ado files to operate. Learn how these are related to Stata code and how you can interact with them.

Log files save all your work to a continuously updated log file. This keeps a record of your results and code in case something goes wrong. Learn how to start, end and view a log file in Stata.

Not all data comes in Stata's .dta format. Learn how to import other data types in Stata such as excel spreadsheets.

Exploring Data

Unlikes Excel, Stata does not display the underlying raw data by default. Learn how to access and view the raw data and how to modify it.

Basic data analysis often requires summary statistics such as means, standard deviation and min/max values. Learn how to get a overview of your data and produce basic summary statistics.

Not all data is suited for means and standard deviation analysis. Some data requires tabulation or tables. Learn more about how to tabulate data and how to create custom tables in Stata.

Not all data is 100% perfect. Sometimes there are missing values. Learn how Stata handles missing values and how to detect missing data.

Analysing distributions is an important part of statistical analysis. Learn what commands are available to analyse data distributions numerical in Stata.

Survey data often contains weights that give some observations more or less significance. Learn how to use weights in statistical analysis in Stata.

The New Table Command (Stata 17)

Manipulating Data

Learn how to recode an existing variables with the recode command. This command is fast and easy to use and allows you to recode numerical values quickly.

A limitation of the recode command is that is has trouble using "if" conditions in data manipulation. Learn how to use the generate and replace command to generate new and replace existing variable using "if" conditions.

New data often requires renaming and labelling to avoid confusion. Learn how to attach labels and rename variables.

If you are looking for a very complex data manipulation then the EGEN command may help. This command offers more complex extensions to generate and allows you to perform complex data manipulations.

Indicator/Categorical data is an important data type. Learn how to construct and recode categorical variables.

Not all data needs to be retained. Learn how to remove (or keep) selected observations and variables in your data.

Learn how to set the file path and save your data in Stata. Learn how to export your data in other formats.

String data (data that contains non-numeric characters) can be challenging to deal with. Get a quick introduction on how you can format such data to be useable in data analysis.

Some datasets are split into multiple files. Learn how to merge and append different datasets together to create larger and more complex datasets.

Advanced users use custom macro's to speed up their workflow. Get an introduction to macro's and learn the basics of looping code over your data.

Accessing Stored Information

Multiple Loops

Date Variables

Subscripting over Groups

Visualising Data

Learn the basics of graphing in Stata. How to load, save and use graphs and how to change their colour scheme.

Bar charts and dot charts are useful to plot summary statistics over categorical data. Learn how to create bar and dot charts in Stata and what options are most relevant.

Examining distributions visually is an important part of data analysis. Learn how to use histograms and kernel density plots in Stata.

Pie charts are used to display numerical proportions. Learn how to create and customise pie charts in Stata.

Scatterplots allow users to analysis bivariate relationships. Learn how to create scatterplots and overlay lines of best fit to analyse relationships between two variables visually.

Remember that old graphical calculator you used in school that could could create custom functions? Learn how to draw custom functions (e.g. y = 2x^2) in Stata. Learn how this might be useful in a regression scenario.

Contour plots allow 3-dimensional visualisation in 2-dimensions via contours. Learn how to use and apply contour plots to Statistical analysis in Stata. These can be useful to visualise complicated interaction effects.

Sometimes you need to fake a scatterplot, but retain the original structure. Learn how to use jitter to randomly distribute actual datapoint and why this might be useful

Sunflower Plots

Learn how to combine multiple graphs into one graph. This can be a powerful way to increase the visual effectiveness of your work. Learn what options you need to know about when combining graphs in Stata.

Changing Graph Sizes

Graphing by Groups

Changing Graph Colours

Adding Text to Graphs

Scatterplots with Categories

Testing Means, Correlations and ANOVA

Learn how to test the association (relationship) between two categorical variables in Stata using the tabulate command.

Learn how to perform basic means test across two variables. Is the mean of one variable really different to the mean of another variables? Learn how to perform group mean tests.

Learn how to perform bivariate correlation (Pearson's correlation) on two more variables.

A short introduction to basic ANOVA analysis in Stata.

Linear Regression

A brief introduction and example of basic OLS regression in Stata.

Learn how to integrate categorical variables into your regression analysis in Stata.

Learn how to perform common diagnostic analysis and tests after a regression in Stata.

Learn how to run and interpret a log transformed regression. Learn how to use interaction terms in a regression.

Learn how to use the test command to perform hypothesis testing after a regression.

Learn how to output the results from a regression to other programmes such as Word or Excel and how to make your results look professional.

Standardizing Regression Estimates

Graphing Regression Estimates

Oaxaca Decomposition Analysis

Mixed Models: Random Intercepts and Random Coefficients

Constrained Linear Regression

Categorical Choice Models

When a dependent variable is binary it requires a logit/probit regression model for analysis. Learn how to apply such models in Stata.

Learn basic diagnostic tools after a login/probit regression model including goodness-of-fit statistics.

Ranked or unranked categorical dependent variables require more complex non-linear models. Learn the basics of the ordered logit and multinomial legit regression models in Stata.

Fractional/Proportional Variable Models

Fractional Logit, Beta Regression and Zero-inflated Beta Regression

Random Numbers and Simulation

Learn about simulation and how to create basic random numbers in Stata.

Learn how we can use random variables to create fake data with known properties.

Learn how we can test the assumptions of a regression estimator with fake data that has properties that do not match the requirements of the estimator. What happens when our data misbehaves?

Learn about Monte Carlo Simulation and how professionals test the statistical properties of estimation procedures.

Count Data Models

Features of Count Data

Poisson Regression

Negative Binomial Regression

Truncated and Censored Count Regression

Hurdle Count Regression

Survival Analysis

What is Survival Analysis?

Setting up Survival Data

Descriptive Statistics in Survival Data

Non-parametric Survival Analysis

Cox Proportional Hazard's Model

Diagnostics for Cox Models

Parametric Survival Analysis

Panel Data Analysis

Setting up Panel Data

Panel Data Descriptives

Lags and Leads

Linear Panel Estimators

The Hausman Test

Non-Linear Panel Estimators

Difference-in-Differences Analysis

Difference-in-Differences Estimation

Parallel Trend Assumption

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a solid foundation for beginners and extends an existing foundation for intermediate learners in data analytics using Stata

Taught by experienced instructors with a strong reputation in the field

Covers a broad range of essential topics to perform various types of statistical analyses and data visualization using Stata, including data manipulation, statistical modeling, and simulation techniques

Provides a comprehensive overview of the software and its application in data analytics, making it suitable for learners with different levels of experience

Can be taken alone or as part of a series for a more comprehensive understanding

Requires some prior statistical knowledge, which may not be suitable for complete beginners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Essential Guide to Stata with these activities:

Review Stata syntax basics

Show steps

Reviewing the basic elements of the Stata syntax will help boost confidence before moving on to more complex topics.

Browse courses on Statistics

Show steps

Visit the Stata documentation website and review the basic syntax guidelines.
Create a new Stata project and practice writing simple commands, such as data manipulation and summary statistics.
Complete a few practice exercises or tutorials to reinforce your understanding of the syntax.

Create a cheat sheet of commonly used Stata commands

Show steps

Creating a cheat sheet provides a quick reference for essential Stata commands, improving efficiency and reducing time spent searching for syntax.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

Show steps

Review the course materials and identify the most frequently used Stata commands.
Create a document or spreadsheet that lists the commands, their descriptions, and examples of their usage.
Keep the cheat sheet handy for quick reference during the course and beyond.

Follow video tutorials on data manipulation in Stata

Show steps

Structured video tutorials provide a guided approach to mastering data manipulation techniques in Stata, enhancing practical skills.

Browse courses on Data Manipulation

Show steps

Search for video tutorials on data manipulation in Stata on platforms like YouTube or Coursera.
Select tutorials that cover topics relevant to the course, such as data cleaning, merging, and reshaping.
Follow the instructions in the tutorials and practice the techniques on your own dataset.

One other activity

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all four activities

Complete practice exercises on regression analysis in Stata

Show steps

Regular practice with regression analysis exercises strengthens understanding of concepts and improves proficiency in applying them in Stata.

Browse courses on Regression Analysis

Show steps

Obtain practice datasets or find online resources that provide exercises in regression analysis.
Use Stata to perform the regression analysis, interpret the results, and draw conclusions.
Compare your results with the provided solutions or seek feedback from peers or instructors to identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete The Essential Guide to Stata will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will use data to solve business problems. You will need to be able to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as interpret the results of your analysis. This course will provide you with the skills you need to do all of these things. The focus of each session will consistently be on creating a “good practice” and emphasising the practical application – and interpretation – of commonly used statistical techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist, you will use data to develop new products and improve existing ones. You will need to be able to understand the business problems that you are trying to solve, as well as the data that is available to you. This course will provide you with the skills you need to do both of these things. The course is aimed at anyone interested in data analytics using Stata. Like for other professional statistical packages the course focuses on the proper application - and interpretation - of code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Statistician

As a Statistician, you will use statistical methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data. You will use this data to solve a variety of problems, such as improving the quality of products and services, increasing sales, and reducing costs. This course will provide you with the statistical skills you need to do all of these things. This course covers many statistical techniques that are commonly used by statisticians, such as regression analysis, time series analysis, and multivariate analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Epidemiologist

As an Epidemiologist, you will study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems. Your work may involve designing and conducting studies to investigate the causes of disease outbreaks, evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions, or developing new ways to prevent and treat diseases. This course will provide you with the statistical skills you need to do all of these things by covering topics including hypothesis testing, binary outcome models, fractional response models, and epidemiological tables.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Data Visualization Specialist

As a Data Visualization Specialist, you will use data visualization techniques to communicate data to others. You will need to be able to understand the data that you are working with, as well as the audience that you are trying to reach. This course will provide you with the skills you need to do all of these things. Visualising Data is a central part of the course, covering topics such as graphing in Stata, bar and dot charts, scatterplots, and histograms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist

Quantitative Analyst

As a Quantitative Analyst, you will use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. You will use this data to make investment decisions. This course will provide you with the statistical skills you need to do all of these things. The course covers many statistical techniques that are commonly used in quantitative finance, such as regression analysis, time series analysis, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Biostatistician

As a Biostatistician, you will design and analyze statistical experiments to test hypotheses about biological or medical data. You will need to be familiar with a variety of statistical techniques, including regression analysis, survival analysis, and clinical trial design. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in these techniques, as well as the opportunity to apply them to real-world data. This course covers many statistical techniques that are commonly used in biostatistics, such as correlation and ANOVA, regression including diagnostics, hypothesis testing, and survival data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Public Health Analyst

As a Public Health Analyst, you will use data to improve the health of populations. You will need to be able to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as interpret the results of your analysis. This course will provide you with the skills you need to do all of these things. The focus of each session will consistently be on creating a “good practice” and emphasising the practical application – and interpretation – of commonly used statistical techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Analyst

Survey Researcher

As a Survey Researcher, you will design and conduct surveys to collect data about populations. You will need to be able to understand the business problems that you are trying to solve, as well as the data that is available to you. This course will provide you with the skills you need to do both of these things. The focus of each session will consistently be on creating a “good practice” and emphasising the practical application – and interpretation – of commonly used statistical techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Survey Researcher

UX Researcher

As a UX Researcher, you will conduct research on user experience. You will use this research to improve the design and usability of products and services. This course will provide you with the skills you need to do all of these things. This course will focus on providing an overview of data analytics using Stata.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Researcher

Market Researcher

As a Market Researcher, you will collect and analyze data about consumers and markets. You will use this data to help businesses make better decisions about their products and services. This course will provide you with the skills you need to do all of these things. This course will focus on providing an overview of data analytics using Stata.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain software applications. You will need to be able to understand the business problems that you are trying to solve, as well as the data that is available to you. This course will provide you with the skills you need to do both of these things. The course is aimed at anyone interested in data analytics using Stata. Like for other professional statistical packages the course focuses on the proper application - and interpretation - of code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Analyst

As a Web Analyst, you will collect and analyze data about website traffic. You will use this data to improve the design and performance of websites. This course will provide you with the skills you need to do all of these things. This course will focus on providing an overview of data analytics using Stata.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Analyst

Research Analyst

As a Research Analyst, you will conduct research on a variety of topics. You will need to be able to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as interpret the results of your analysis. This course will provide you with the skills you need to do all of these things. This course will focus on providing an overview of data analytics using Stata.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

As an Operations Research Analyst, you will use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve business problems. You will need to be able to understand the business problems that you are trying to solve, as well as the data that is available to you. This course will provide you with the skills you need to do both of these things. The course is aimed at anyone interested in data analytics using Stata. Like for other professional statistical packages the course focuses on the proper application - and interpretation - of code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst