Experimental Methods

Catalog description

Introduces students to the logic, design, implementation, & analysis of experiments in social science research. Students will gain a broader understanding of experimental methods. We begin by exploring the relationship between experiments and other methods, how to read research that utilizes experimental methods, and identify key components of experimental design. In the second part, we dig into the fundamentals of experimental research design, how to design effective treatments, selecting appropriate outcome variables, & strategies for dealing with challenges that often arise with experiments. In the final part of the course, the focus will be on analysis of experimental research data & presentation of results.