Undergraduate Quantitative Methods
Data Analysis for Public Policy
Course information
Instructor: Sergio I. García-Ríos
Teaching Assistant: Sarah Traore
Institution: LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin
Semester: Fall 2026
| Meeting | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday lecture | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | SRH 3.B10 |
| Wednesday guided lab | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | SRH 3.B10 |
| Friday section 1 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. | SRH 3.216 |
| Friday section 2 | 10:00–11:00 a.m. | SRH 3.216 |
Office hours
Sergio I. García-Ríos: By appointment
Sarah Traore: Wednesday, 12:30–2:00 p.m.; Friday, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
About the course
This course introduces students to quantitative reasoning as a way to answer substantive questions about public policy. We will learn how to collect, explore, visualize, and analyze data; evaluate uncertainty; and communicate findings clearly and responsibly.
The course connects three elements throughout the semester:
- Statistical reasoning
- R programming
- Public-policy applications
No prior experience with R is required.
Weekly rhythm
Monday: Lecture
We introduce the substantive question and the statistical concepts needed to answer it.
Wednesday: Guided lab
We work through the method together in R using real data.
Friday: Lab section
Sarah reviews difficult material, helps troubleshoot code, and supports students as they work on the lab’s On Your Own section.