Introduction. Overview of the course and introduction to the topic of research methods.

Research Design. Survey of types of studies (such as experiments and field studies), along with a discussion of issues of validity and ethics

Qualitative. A brief introduction to qualitative research methods, including participant observation and grounded theory

18-Sep

Survey methods. Principles of good survey design, focusing on questionnaire issues but also covering sampling issues

Theorizing. How to theorize effectively. The most important skill you can have in our business (besides schmoozing, of course)

2-Oct

Theorizing practicum. In-depth discussion of a study by Dan Halgin.

Data Theory. Introduction to the concept of variables and levels of measurement. 

16-Oct

Correlation. Introduction to measures of association among variables, as well as similarities/proximities more generally

Data mining. Searching for patterns in data using multivariate techniques such as multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Note special time.

Data exploration practicum. With help from Dan Halgin, I will conduct a hands-on workshop on exploratory data analysis methods using UCINET. Bring your own data!

Regression. Review of ordinary least square multiple regression

Models. Using multiple regression to test mediation, moderation and curvilinear models

Factor Analysis. Exploring data and creating multi-item scales

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Theorizing II. More practice doing theorizing, and analyzing some exemplars of theorizing in the literature.

Presentations

* class meets from 11am to 5pm. I will provide pizza for lunch.