Derek Briggs's research agenda focuses upon building sound methodological approaches for the measurement and evaluation of growth in student learning. More generally, he is interested in conceptual issues that inform our understanding of measurement in the context of education and has published a book on this topic. Examples of his more empirically oriented research interests related to educational assessment include (1) the use (and misuse) of developmental score scales to model growth in student learning, (2) creating psychometric models that facilitate diagnostic inferences about hypothesized student learning progressions. Examples of research interests in applied statistics include the critical analysis of the statistical models used to make causal inferences about the effects of teachers, schools and other educational interventions on the growth of student achievement.
EDUC 7396 - Latent Variable and Structural Equation Modeling
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2023
Introduces contemporary advanced multivariate techniques and their application in social science research. Focus on factor analysis and variance, structural equation modeling. Prior experience with multiple regression is assumed.
EDUC 7416 - Seminar: Research Methodology
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Spring 2019
Presents selected topics for advanced study in educational research, statistics, measurement, and evaluation.
EDUC 8230 - An Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Educational Research
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2024
Explores the use of statistics to formalize study designs in educational research contexts. Introduces causal inference, experimental design, descriptive statistics, linear regression, probability, and the basics of statistical inference. Includes lab-based instruction in the use of statistical software (e.g., R, Excel) to conduct data analysis.
EDUC 8710 - Measurement in Survey Research
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Introduces students to classical test theory and item response theory. Emphasizes the process of developing, analyzing and validating a survey instrument. Focuses on developing a survey instrument with items that derive from a clearly delineated theory for the construct to be measured. Analyzes item responses and put together a validity argument to support the proposed uses of the survey.
EDUC 8720 - Psychometric Modeling: Item Response Theory
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
Focuses on psychometric models for measurement and their applications in educational and psychological research. Emphasizes understanding and evaluating the utility of models from item response theory (IRT). Applies and compares measurement models in the context of simulated or empirical data sets. Recommended prerequisite: EDUC 8710.
