Policy Analysis Using Interrupted Time Series

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Interrupted time series analysis and regression discontinuity designs are two of the most rigorous ways to evaluate policies with routinely collected data. ITSx comprehensively introduces analysts to interrupted time series analysis (ITS) and regression discontinuity designs (RD) from start to finish, including selection and setup of data sources, statistical analysis, interpretation and presentation, and identification of potential pitfalls.

At the conclusion of the course, students will have all the tools necessary to propose, conduct and correctly interpret an analysis using ITS and RD approaches. This will help them position themselves as a go-to person within their company, government department, or academic department as the technical expert on this topic.

ITS and RD designs avoid many of the pitfalls associated with other techniques. As a result of their analytic strength, the use of ITS and RD approaches has been rapidly increasing over the past decade. These studies have cut across the social sciences, including:

• Studying the effect of traffic speed zones on mortality
• Quantifying the impact of incentive payments to workers on productivity
• Assessing whether alcohol policies reduce suicide
• Measuring the impact of incentive payments to physicians on quality of care
• Determining whether the use of HPV vaccination influences adolescent sexual behavior

What you will learn

• The strengths and drawbacks of ITS and RD studies
• Data requirements, setup, and statistical modelling
• Interpretation of results for non-technical audiences
• Production of compelling figures

Skills you learn

• Vaccination
• Time Series Analysis And Forecasting
• Policy Analysis
• Policy Evaluation
• Time Series
• Presentations
• Social Sciences
• Statistical Analysis

Syllabus

Week 1: Course overview

• Introduction to ITS and RD designs
• Assumptions and potential biases
• Data sources and requirements
• Example studies
• An introduction to R (optional)

Week 2: Single series ITS

• Data setup and adding variables
• Model selection
• Addressing autocorrelation
• Graphical presentation

Week 3: ITS with a control group

• Data setup
• Adding a control to the model
• Graphical presentation
• Predicting policy impacts

Week 4: Extensions

• Advanced modeling issues in ITS and RD
• Non-linear Trends · Differencing
• “Wild” Points and Transition periods
• Adding a Second Intervention

Week 5: Regression Discontinuities and Wrap-up

• Regression Discontinuities
• Any Remaining Questions

Auto Summary

"Policy Analysis Using Interrupted Time Series" is an edX course in IT & Computer Science, led by expert instructors. It focuses on rigorous evaluation techniques like interrupted time series analysis (ITS) and regression discontinuity designs (RD). Covering data selection, statistical analysis, and interpretation, this course equips learners with essential skills to become technical experts in policy evaluation. Ideal for professionals and academics, it covers diverse social science applications such as traffic safety, productivity incentives, alcohol policies, and healthcare quality. Subscription options include a Professional level course.