Data Structure
Time-Series Data
A time series repeatedly measures one aggregate unit across ordered time points.
Page 1 of 7 · Big Picture
The big picture: Time-Series Data
What changes across time?
Why a policy analyst should care
Policy analysts use time-series data to distinguish sustained trends, seasonal patterns, and abrupt changes; treating ordered time points as interchangeable observations can manufacture evidence.
Follow the idea from the opening question to a practical decision. These are the conceptual moves this module will develop:
1 Question What changes across time?
2 Explore Policy outcomes by month
3 Formalize Time is part of the data structure
4 Transfer Specify a time-series analysis
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