Empirical Research Methods

Subject:

Mathematics and Statistics, Social Sciences

Institution Name:

Carnegie Mellon University - Open Learning Initiative

Collection:

Carnegie Mellon University

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Abstract:

Regression analysis is an enormously popular and powerful tool, used ubiquitously in the social and behavioral sciences. Most courses on the subject immediately dive into the mathematical aspects of the subject and illustrate the technique on problems that are already highly structured. As a result, most students come away with little idea of the wide range of problems to which regression analysis can be applied and how to represent those problems in a way that cleverly utilizes readily available data. Few understand, at a conceptual level, the limitations of regression analysis. The OLI Empirical Research Methods course bridges the gap between the mathematical foundations of regression and its practical application. We teach students how to move from an interesting question about the world to a regression model that, when estimated, meaningfully addresses the question asked. It emphasizes causal analysis as the main research goal and multivariate linear regression as the main statistical tool. We teach a process that involves: Formulating a research problem, Developing and formalizing hypotheses, Collecting data relevant to these hypotheses, Analyzing the data using an appropriate regression model, and Critically interpreting the results of these analyses.

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Activities and Labs, Full Course, Homework and Assignments, Readings

Media Format:

Graphics/Photos, Downloadable docs

Conditions of Use:

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0