Universität Wien
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400011 SE Experimental Design and Analysis (2025S)

Advanced level methods seminar

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 40 - Doktoratsstudium Sozialwissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work
ON-SITE

Please note: The prerequisite for participation in advanced seminars is the conclusion of the doctoral thesis agreement.
Th 27.03. 11:30-16:00 Seminarraum 19, Kolingasse 14-16, OG02

Details

max. 15 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Thursday 10.04. 11:30 - 16:00 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Thursday 08.05. 11:30 - 15:30 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Thursday 22.05. 11:30 - 14:30 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Thursday 05.06. 11:30 - 14:30 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Thursday 12.06. 11:30 - 15:00 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This advanced seminar aims to equip PhD researchers in the social sciences with the skills to design, analyze, and interpret rigorous experiments that yield meaningful insights into complex social phenomena. Focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in various forms - lab, survey, field, and online experiments - we will delve into experimentation, exploring both its advantages and limitations relative to other methodologies.

Over the course of the semester, students will master key elements of experimental design and analysis, including covariate adjustment, moderation and mediation, generalizability, handling noncompliance and attrition, working with panel and adaptive experimental designs, addressing ethical considerations, and applying common practices of open science.

In addition to a theoretical foundation, this course emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with data, primarily in R. Early in the term, students will receive an R tutorial and a refresher on linear regression analysis, ensuring they have the necessary skills to engage fully with the course materials and assignments.

Who Should Enroll?

This seminar is designed for doctoral researchers across social science disciplines including, but not limited to, communication science, political science, economics, psychology, and sociology who are eager to develop advanced quantitative research skills.
Prerequisites: Prior coursework in applied statistics (one to two semesters) is required, as well as a basic understanding of hypothesis testing and regression analysis. Experience with statistical software like R is beneficial but not essential; the course includes dedicated sessions to build these skills.

Assessment and permitted materials

Learning in this seminar is reinforced through continuous assessment. Students will work in groups to design, conduct, analyze, and interpret their own original experiments, resulting into a research paper suitable for submission to a scientific journal. At the end of the semester, groups will present their findings to the class.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Prerequisites: Prior coursework in applied statistics (one to two semesters) is required, as well as a basic understanding of hypothesis testing and regression analysis. Experience with statistical software like R is beneficial but not essential; the course includes dedicated sessions to build these skills.

Learning in this seminar is reinforced through continuous assessment. Students will work in groups to design, conduct, analyze, and interpret their own original experiments, resulting into a research paper suitable for submission to a scientific journal. At the end of the semester, groups will present their findings to the class.

Examination topics

tba

Reading list

Weekly readings are an essential part of the course.

The primary text for the course is Gerber, Alan S., and Donald P. Green. 2012. Field Experiments: Design, Analysis, and Interpretation. New York, NY: W.W. Norton.

Supplemental readings include:

Druckman, James N. and Donald P. Green. 2021. Advances in Experimental Political Science. Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press
Blair, Graeme, Alexander E. Coppock, and Macartan Humphreys. 2023. Research Design in the Social Sciences: Declaration, Diagnosis, and Redesign. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Th 16.01.2025 14:06