Research Design

3 credits · Graduate School

This course focuses on understanding, critiquing and applying concepts of causal inference and research design. Students will be introduced to a range of experimental and quasi-experimental designs available to address research aims and support strong causal inferences. Students will examine the relationship of research aims to research design, as well as the nature of threats to causal inference in research design. External validity and related threats to it will be reviewed and weighed against the need for high internal validity. Published research will be reviewed in group and individual assignments and used to develop the student's ability to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of research decision-making and designs. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the PhD program or consent of faculty. [3] FALL