Analytical Techniques for Public Service II Tacoma

Taught By:

Analytical Techniques for Public Service is a two quarter core program for second year MPA students. Each quarter focuses on specific approaches and components for applied research in public administration, public policy, non-profits, and communities. Via praxis (combination of theory and applied practice), our goal is to practice research design and analysis by gaining a better understanding of how to approach, critique, use, analyze, and communicate research in public service.

Learning objectives include:

Understand research designs and why we do research in public service.
Competency in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies.
Understand how research can maintain the status quo or change our social, economic, and political decisions.
Understand various research methods.
Become an ethical producer and consumer of research.

Winter Quarter:

In the winter quarter, we will respond to the following questions:

How do we analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data?
How do we turn data into information for decisions?
How do we present audience specific useful information?

Via praxis, our goal is to practice research design and analysis. Our intent is to gain a better understanding of how to approach, critique, use, analyze, and communicate research in public service.

Learning objectives include:

Develop knowledge, skills, and abilities as competent and critical producers/consumers of data, information, and analysis.
Understand the practical applications of analytical techniques in public service.
Develop the critical ability to situate social science concepts and techniques within the practice of public service.
Develop the skill of presenting data as information for decision making.