Stata helps you teach statistical analysis, econometrics and quantitative research methods with real datasets. You can use it to demonstrate statistical concepts, run analyses, create graphs and guide students through reproducible command-based workflows. Stata is especially useful when students need to connect statistical reasoning with applied data analysis and research reporting.
- Functions
- Data analysis
- Access
- Standalone
- Difficulty of use
- Needs guidance
Examples of use in your education
Use Stata when you want students to learn how to document and repeat their analysis steps through commands and do-files.
You can apply this tool in your teaching in several concrete ways:
Annotated do-files - Provide a short do-file with comments that explain the purpose of each section, so students can see how data preparation, analysis and output belong to one workflow.
Guided practice - First walk through the main steps with students, then ask them to run a similar sequence themselves and explain what changes after each step.
Do-file comparison - Ask students to compare two versions of a do-file, identify what changed and explain how the changes affect the analysis.
Error diagnosis - Show a short do-file with one or two common errors, such as a wrong variable name or file path, and ask students to find the problem before you discuss the solution.
Tip 1
Ask students to add short comments to their do-files that explain why each step is included, so their script becomes part of their analytical reasoning rather than only a record of commands.
Tip 2
Keep early do-files short and structured. Separate data import, cleaning, analysis and output sections, so students can follow the workflow before writing longer scripts.
Use Stata when students need to apply quantitative methods in assignments, theses or research projects.
You can apply this tool in your teaching in several concrete ways:
Data preparation - Ask students to use Stata to inspect, clean and prepare a dataset before they begin formal analysis.
Model application - Let students apply the statistical model or method taught in the course to a research question, dataset or case.
Result reporting - Ask students to export or summarise Stata tables and graphs, then explain the results in relation to the assignment question.
Process submission - Ask students to submit a do-file or log file together with their written work, so you can assess both the result and the analysis process.
Tip 1
Make clear which parts of the Stata workflow students need to submit, such as the do-file, log file, output table, graph or written interpretation.
Tip 2
Give students a short reporting template with separate prompts for method, result and interpretation, so they do not treat Stata output as a finished answer.
Give students a small dataset and a research question. Ask them to formulate a hypothesis, inspect the relevant variables, run descriptive statistics, estimate a regression model in Stata and interpret one key coefficient. Students submit their do-file and a short written interpretation, so you can assess both the analytical process and the final conclusion.
How-to videos
How to get started in Stata 19
Enhancements to the Do-file Editor
Simple linear regression in Stata
Getting started
- You can find Stata’s official teaching resources here.
- You can find Stata’s official learning resources here.
- You can find Stata’s official video tutorials here.
- For course-wide use, check whether Stata is available through your faculty, computer lab, student licence or institutional licence before asking students to use it.
Support
In case of educational questions, please contact your learning innovator or web team from your faculty.
In case of technical difficulty, please consult the official Stata learning resources or your local IT support channel first. For assignments, make sure students know where to access Stata, how to open course datasets and what files they need to submit.
