Area III: Quantitative Methods
Tasha Beretvas, Area Chair
List of Area
III Faculty
Educational Psychology provides many opportunities for study in quantitative methods, with the student's program of course work focused in one of three concentrations. Two concentrations lead to a PhD degree, while the third results in an MA degree. In addition to course work. opportunities for on-the-job--experience either in the form of part-time positions or practicum or internship placements--exist within The University and in other educational institutions and agencies in the Austin area.
Persons with degrees in Quantitative Methods find employment in colleges and universities, professional testing organizations, educational research and development agencies, industrial psychology agencies, interdisciplinary research projects, governing agencies of higher education, state departments of education, and research and program evaluation divisions of large school systems. Here is a sample list of career possibilities:
- University teaching and research;
- Measurement specialist or data analyst in personnel in a corporate or government agency;
- Test director or staff member at a state education agency or university testing center;
- Measurement/statistical specialist for a testing company;
- Testing specialist for a certification examining board, particularly in medical or allied health areas;
- Test director or evaluation specialist for a school district.
Statistics and Research Methodology
Students who specialize in educational research methodology and statistics learn how to plan and execute research, as well as how to analyze and evaluate the research carried out by others. They acquire knowledge and skill in utilizing a wide array of statistical techniques, develop understanding of the relationship between research design and statistical analysis, acquire skill in choosing designs and analysis techniques that are appropriate for specific problems, and develop skill as consultants on problems of research methodology. They also acquire an understanding of the ways in which mathematics and logic can be used to reduce the uncertainty associated with conclusions reached in the study of human behavior. Typically, such students are motivated to expand the range and increase the depth of their understanding of problems that can be approached through the use of statistical methodology. In the context of a given problem situation, such students tend to focus more on the process used to arrive at the decision than on the substantive conclusions reached. An academic background with considerable exposure to formal mathematics is highly desirable.
Psychometrics
Students who specialize in psychological and educational measurement study the theory and methods of measuring variables important in psychological and educational research, practice, and evaluation, such as aptitude, achievement, attitude, personality, and other cognitive and non-cognitive characteristics. Students in psychometrics are prepared to develop and use measuring instruments that are appropriate for specific educational and psychological purposes. The psychometric specialist also develops a high level of understanding of measurement principles and procedures, as well as extensive knowledge of statistical procedures and methods of experimental design necessary to conduct applied psychometric research. Auxiliary skills that are developed include use of computers and related mathematics.
Program Evaluation
Educational institutions and human service agencies evaluate the effectiveness of their programs and products. Evaluators are needed to apply specialized tools and techniques for measuring an array of outcomes, e.g., conceptualize program models, clarify problem objectives, design data collection schemes, construct instruments, analyze data, report results, and work with area personnel to facilitate use of evaluation findings to improve program effectiveness. Specialization in program evaluation consists of courses and field experience leading to the MA degree. Educational and human service issues and programs and quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies are emphasized. The MA evaluation concentration is open only to doctoral students in Educational Psychology and is relevant to those who have an interest in professional accountability, effective management of human service and educational programs, and applied research on organizational operations and effectiveness. The MA component includes practicum and a Master's Thesis.
Quantitative Methods Courses for the PhD degree
Required for all EDP doctoral students:
- Experimental Design and Statistical Inference and Lab
- Psychometrics: Theory and Methods
- Two other (secondary) courses in Quantitative Methods
Required for Quantitative Methods majors:
- Colloquium in Quantitative Methods
- Correlation and Regression Methods
- Evaluation Models and Techniques
- Survey Research Methods
- Item Response Theory
- Survey of Multivariate Methods
Special Emphasis Courses (Electives)
Psychometrics
- Advanced Psychometric Research
- Applied Psychometrics
- Computerized Adaptive Testing
- Factor Analysis
- Multidimensional Scaling
- Test and Scale Construction
- Seminar in Advanced Psychometrics
Statistics and Research Methodology
