Stata: Understanding Stata and Preparing Your Data

This three-hour course introduces students to the Stata statistics program. It combines basic information on the relevance of quantitative research methods with hands-on practice of Stata.

Topics covered:

·       Introduction to quantitative research

·       Types of variables

·       setting up Stata and different types of Stata files

·       Manually entering data (e.g., from paper surveys)

·       Importing data into Stata (e.g., excel files from online surveys)

·       Cleaning data

·       Manipulating data (e.g., combining individual items to make a scale)

·       Shaping data

Pre-requisites:

·       No prior experience with Stata is assumed, although basic computer literacy and a basic understanding of mathematics are needed.

·       Some familiarity with research methods (i.e. devising a research question, the basics of conducting research) is expected.

Software:

Macquarie University students can download the program by following the instructions here: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/software/stata

Next step:

Candidates are encouraged to register for Stata: Descriptive Statistics and Univariate Statistics which is on Monday, 25 May 2026.

Graduate Research Students