Data Analysis for Social Scientists from edX

This course is now part of two independent MITx MicroMasters programs. For both MicroMasters programs, learners will need to first enroll in and pass this course. However, each program will then require different final assessments for a course certificate toward the full MicroMasters credential:

1.MicroMasters in Data, Economics, and Development Policy (DEDP).
To pursue the DEDP MicroMasters credential, pass this course, create aMicroMasters in DEDP profile, and pass an additional in-person proctored exam.

To learn more about the DEDP program and how it integrates with MIT’s new blended Master’s degree, please visithttps://micromasters.mit.edu/dedp/.

2.MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science (SDS).
To pursue the SDS MicoMasters credential, pass this course, and enroll in and pass the final assessment at14.310Fx Data Analysis in Social Sciences-Assessment on EdX.

Complete all 4 courses and the capstone exam in the SDS program to accelerate your path towards graduate studies at MIT or other universities. To learn more, please visithttps://micromasters.mit.edu/ds.

This statistics and data analysis course will introduce you to the essential notions of probability and statistics. We will cover techniques in modern data analysis: estimation, regression and econometrics, prediction, experimental design, randomized control trials (and A/B testing), machine learning, and data visualization. We will illustrate these concepts with applications drawn from real world examples and frontier research. Finally, we will provide instruction for how to use the statistical package R and opportunities for students to perform self-directed empirical analyses.

This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn how to work with data and communicate data-driven findings effectively.

Course Previews:

Our course previews are meant to give prospective learners the opportunity to get a taste of the content and exercises that will be covered in each course. If you are new to these subjects, or eager to refresh your memory, each course preview also includes some available resources. These resources may also be useful to refer to over the course of the semester.

A score of 60% or above in the course previews indicates that you are ready to take the course, while a score below 60% indicates that you should further review the concepts covered before beginning the course.

Please use the this link to access the course preview.

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Taught by renowned experts in the fields of economics and data analysis, Esther Duflo and Sara Fisher Ellison

Suitable for individuals seeking to enhance their data analysis and statistical reasoning skills

Covers a wide range of topics, including estimation, regression, machine learning, and data visualization

Incorporates real-world examples and frontier research to illustrate concepts

Provides opportunities for self-directed empirical analyses using the statistical package R

May require additional background knowledge or experience for in-depth understanding of certain concepts

Reviews summary

Comprehensive data analysis overview

This comprehensive course, taught by MIT professors, covers a wide range of essential notions of probability, statistics, and techniques in modern data analysis. The course materials are extremely detailed and there is a good deal of statistics and probability review and training prior to getting to the methods of the class. This course requires a strong background in multivariate calculus, statistics, probability, and R.

Excellent depth and organization.

"To say this class is thorough is an understatement."

Little practical value unless you're already quite proficient in the subject matter.

"There is just too much theory in the course."

"I was excited about this course, but there is little practical value compared to the effort you need to spend on the coursework."

High workload and requires a strong math foundation.

"I recommend this course as I cannot imagine a better, more thorough treatment for the topic, taught by some of the "best" there are out there today in Economics and Statistics."

"It's a lot of work (although this course is somewhat slower in pace than a couple others - either that or I am just getting used to the process and hopefully also developing a good foundation)."

Career center

Learners who complete Data Analysis for Social Scientists will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from large and complex data sets. This course helps build a foundation in working with data, making visualizations, and conducting statistical analyses. Data Scientists typically design and implement data collection systems, perform complex data analysis and modeling, and develop algorithms. These skills can be used to improve business processes, optimize products, and make predictions. This course will provide you with the skills necessary to collect, clean, analyze, and visualize data, which are all essential skills for a career in Data Science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Market Researcher

A Market Researcher collects, analyzes, and interprets data about markets, customers, and competitors. This course helps build a foundation in data analysis and interpretation, which are essential skills for Market Researchers. They use this information to help businesses understand their target market, develop new products and marketing campaigns, and make informed decisions. This course will provide you with the skills necessary to understand the principles of probability and statistics, and how to apply them to real-world problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Actuary

An Actuary uses mathematical and statistical models to assess risk and uncertainty. This course helps build a foundation in probability and statistics, which are essential skills for Actuaries. They use this information to develop and price insurance products and make recommendations to clients. This course will provide you with the skills necessary to understand the principles of probability and statistics, and how to apply them to real-world problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data to draw conclusions about the world. This course helps build a foundation in probability and statistics, which are essential skills for Statisticians. They use this information to solve problems, make predictions, and improve decision-making. This course will provide you with the skills necessary to understand the principles of probability and statistics, and how to apply them to real-world problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Quantitative Analyst

A Quantitative Analyst uses mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. This course helps build a foundation in probability and statistics, which are essential skills for Quantitative Analysts. They use this information to develop and implement trading strategies and make recommendations to clients. This course will provide you with the skills necessary to understand the principles of probability and statistics, and how to apply them to real-world problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst uses data to solve business problems. This course may help build a foundation in working with data, making visualizations, and conducting statistical analyses. Data Analysts typically collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use this information to make recommendations and guide decisions. This course will provide you with some of the skills necessary to collect, clean, and analyze data, which are all essential skills for a career in Data Analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer designs and builds machine learning models to solve problems. This course helps build a foundation in machine learning, which is an essential skill for Machine Learning Engineers. They use this information to develop and implement machine learning algorithms and make recommendations to clients. This course will provide you with the skills necessary to understand the principles of machine learning, and how to apply them to real-world problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist investigates the causes and spread of diseases. This course helps build a foundation in probability and statistics, which are essential skills for Epidemiologists. They use this information to identify risk factors and develop prevention strategies. This course will provide you with the skills necessary to understand the principles of probability and statistics, and how to apply them to real-world problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts scientific research to advance knowledge and develop new technologies. This course may help build a foundation in probability and statistics, which are essential skills for Research Scientists. They use this information to design and conduct experiments and analyze data. This course will provide you with some of the skills necessary to understand the principles of probability and statistics, and how to apply them to real-world problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Data Visualization Specialist

A Data Visualization Specialist creates visual representations of data to communicate insights. This course helps build a foundation in data visualization, which is an essential skill for Data Visualization Specialists. They use this information to create charts, graphs, and other visual representations of data to help people understand complex information. This course will provide you with the skills necessary to understand the principles of data visualization, and how to apply them to real-world problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist

Biostatistician

A Biostatistician uses statistical methods to design and analyze studies in the field of biology. This course may help build a foundation in probability and statistics, which are essential skills for Biostatisticians. They use this information to analyze data and draw conclusions about the natural world. This course will provide you with some of the skills necessary to understand the principles of probability and statistics, and how to apply them to real-world problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst uses data to solve business problems and improve decision-making. This course may help build a foundation in working with data, making visualizations, and conducting statistical analyses. Business Analysts typically work with stakeholders to identify business needs and develop solutions. This course will provide you with some of the skills necessary to collect, clean, and analyze data, which are all essential skills for a career in Business Analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer designs and builds data systems to store and process large amounts of data. This course may help build a foundation in working with data, making visualizations, and conducting statistical analyses. Data Engineers typically work with databases, big data platforms, and cloud computing technologies. This course will provide you with some of the skills necessary to collect, clean, and analyze data, which are all essential skills for a career in Data Engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Product Manager

A Product Manager develops and manages products to meet the needs of customers. This course may help build a foundation in working with data, making visualizations, and conducting statistical analyses. Product Managers typically work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring products to market. This course will provide you with some of the skills necessary to understand the principles of probability and statistics, and how to apply them to real-world problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and services to help businesses solve problems and improve performance. This course may help build a foundation in working with data, making visualizations, and conducting statistical analyses. Consultants typically work with clients to identify problems and develop solutions. This course will provide you with some of the skills necessary to collect, clean, and analyze data, which are all essential skills for a career in Consulting.

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Comprehensive data analysis overview

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