Research, Measurement and Statistics Minor

Program Overview

This on-campus minor in Research, Measurement, and Statistics enhances doctoral students' data analysis and quantitative skills. Through advanced coursework in research, measurement, and statistics, students gain proficiency in analyzing and interpreting data in applied social science research areas, empowering them to contribute effectively to evidence-based decision-making. The flexible evening course schedule accommodates busy schedules.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Type: Minor
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 1-2 semesters
• Credit Hours: 12
• Objectives:
• Position students as data experts in their organizations.
• Provide advanced quantitative skills and experiences, particularly in applied social science research areas.
• Document and market students' capacity in quantitative methods alongside their major area.
• Description: This minor is designed for doctoral students across various fields who want to enhance their data analysis capabilities and quantitative skills.
It offers advanced coursework in research, measurement, and statistics, focusing on applied social science research.

Outline:

• Content: The minor consists of 12 credit hours of advanced coursework in research, measurement, and statistics within the Department of Educational Psychology.
• Structure: Students take courses from the research, measurement, and statistics concentration area.
• Course Schedule: All course instruction is provided in the evening hours.
• Modules:
• Multivariate Statistics in Education (3 hrs):
Covers history of multivariate statistics, univariate vs. multivariate statistics, matrix algebra, multivariate analysis of variance, canonical correlation, discriminant analysis, and multivariate analysis of contingency tables.
• Statistical Theory and Simulations (3 hrs): Explores statistical theory and simulation of statistical distributions.
Topics include factors affecting sampling distributions, sampling from different distributions, Chebyshev's theorem, Central Limit Theorem, probability distributions, statistical distributions (normal, t, chi-square, correlation, regression), Power (sample size, Type I error, Type II error, confidence interval, effect size), Monte Carlo, meta-analysis, bootstrap, and jackknife techniques.
• Advanced Testing and Measurement (3 hrs): Examines the history of testing and assessment in education and psychology, standards for educational and psychological testing, and conceptualization of constructs and latent variables.
Covers Classical Test Theory, including procedures for item analysis, estimating reliability and validity in the construction of norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests. Also includes Generalizability theory, focusing on multiple sources of measurement error in simple and higher order designs for both G- and D-studies.
• Multiple Regression Analysis and Related Methods (3 hrs): Introduces and applies multiple regression and related methods to analyze data from correlational and experimental studies in education and related disciplines.
Topics include the general linear model, simple and multiple linear regressional analysis, data inspection and transformation, non-linear regression, trend analysis, cross validation procedures, and utilization of statistical software for conducting regression analyses.

Other:

• Program Highlights:
• Hone research methodology and data analysis skills to inform policy-making in education and other critical areas.
• Develop data-driven skills to improve organizational decision-making and conduct vital evaluations to examine processes and outcomes.
• Use advanced data analysis and statistical expertise to improve evidence-based organizational decision-making and practices.
• Flexibility in the course schedule allows students to accelerate through the program or take courses at a pace that fits their busy lives.
• Develop and evaluate different educational and psychological phenomena.
• Related Programs:
• Research, Measurement and Statistics Educational Psychology Ph.D.
• Gifted and Talented Educational Psychology Ph.D.
• Similar Areas of Study:
• Education
• Department Contact Information:
• Department of Educational Psychology
• Matthews Hall, Room 316