Knowledge Domains

Educational Statistics

The REM program prepares students to use a variety of statistical methods to analyze social science data. Some examples of these methods are analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, multivariate analysis of variance, multiple regression, multilevel modeling, principal components analysis, factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Students also engage in research about different aspects of these statistical methods. Examples of methodological research include evaluation of different statistical methods with real datasets, simulation studies, and derivation and proposal of new methods or improvement of existing methods.

Psychometrics

The REM program provides students with an understanding of the theory and mathematical models for measuring constructs such as writing ability, personality and intelligence. For example, students learn classical test theory, item response theory and generalizability theory.  Item response theory addresses mathematical models that relate individual abilities with their performance on the items of a test.

Education Measurement and Assessment

The REM program provides students with an understanding of the methods for developing and evaluating measuring instruments used in educational measurement and assessment.

Evaluation

The REM program prepares students to perform evaluations of educational programs, with the purpose of providing information for program adoption and/or modification. Students learn formative and summative methods for evaluating program effectiveness and how to collect, examine and report data in a political context.

Educational Research

The REM program prepares students to design experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental education research. Students are trained to design research projects that maximize the interpretability, or validity, of the results.