EVALUATION RESEARCH

EDPOL 601

How can research and evaluation serve as mechanisms for advancing equity and justice? Interdisciplinary approach to foundational understanding of educational research and program evaluation. Explores common types of program evaluation and examine how equity-oriented frameworks can inform research and evaluation projects. Considers how politics shape who evaluates, for what reasons, and with what consequences. Engage in systematic inquiry using evaluation research methods, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

EDPOL 603

Examines applied research and evaluation design. Explains the basic components of the research process: conceptualization and measurement, sample selection, and techniques for data generation. Explores and practices research techniques, including survey, focus groups, interviews, etc. Entails a developmental sequence of assignments culminating in a research proposal.

POLISCI/PUBAFFR 871

Compares the conceptual, statistical, and ethical issues of experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental designs for program evaluation. Definitions of outcomes, sample size issues, statistical biases in measuring causal effects of programs, and the reliability of findings will be emphasized using case studies selected from current public programs.

EDPOL 602

An introduction to statistical analysis for research and evaluation. Draw on current events and policy debates when possible. Describe data and distributions; internal/external validity; sampling, inference, and evaluation designs (RCT, regression, DiD). Expect to use real data and computer software to complete assignments.

EDPOL 606

Focuses on the role of research and evaluation in program development. Design, plan, and manage research and program evaluations. Includes discussion and debate regarding a series of case studies. Asks how, and under what conditions, research and evaluation contribute to equity goals.