Research Methodology and Evaluation (RME) Ph.D. Specialization
The specialization in Research Methodology and Evaluation (RME) offers a comprehensive range of courses designed to prepare students to develop, critically evaluate, and properly use quantitative and qualitative methodologies to advance educational research. The RME faculty believe that fundamental contributions to educational methodology can be accomplished through study of a wide variety of areas in research methods. These areas include advanced topics in theoretical and applied methodology. For example, students are taught to:
- Understand recent developments in psychometric theory, as well as technical issues underlying construction and use of tests for selection, placement, and instruction.
- Study advanced statistical modeling, yet have an opportunity to examine how these models are applied to school effectiveness, economic and social stratification, the structure of human abilities, and achievement growth.
- Develop competencies in qualitative methodology including understanding the range of theoretical perspectives and capacity to generate appropriate research problems, collect data through various strategies, and analyze data with computerized programs.
Students interact and publish with our internationally renowned scholars in the study of four fundamental areas:
- Statistical methods, including basic statistics, regression, multivariate analysis, structural equation modeling, and multilevel modeling;
- Psychometric theory, including classical test theory and item response theory;
- Qualitative methodology, including case study methodology, ethnography, and narrative analysis; and
- Evaluation methodology, combining elements of qualitative and quantitative methodologies as well as quasi-experimental and experimental designs.
Specialization Courses
In addition to the Doctoral Core Courses, the following specialization courses are required of all students in the RME specialization:
- EDUC 812: Regression Models in Education
- EDUC 851: Practicum in Qualitative Research
- EDUC 863: Principles of Educational Evaluation
- EDUC 865: Educational Measurement Theory
- EDUC 872: Advanced Educational Measurement
- EDUC 873: Multilevel Models in Education
- EDUC 874: Multivariate Data Analysis in Education
- EDUC 876: Structural Models in Education
Specialization Area Exam Policy
The Specialization Area Exam in RME is designed to assess a student’s proficiency in integrating various aspects of research methodology to address substantive issues in education. The exam is to be taken at the beginning of the fourth year of study and is organized as a take-home exam spanning no more than three days.
The exam consists of two parts. The first part is based on the course work in RME, covering topics in statistical methodology, educational measurement, and evaluation. The second part is based on the dissertation topic area.
The student, with consultation from the advisor, develops a reading list for the specialization examination. The reading list needs approval by the RME faculty. The entire area faculty is involved in developing questions and reading the exam.
Students will be notified of their results within three weeks of submitting their exam. Should a student not demonstrate satisfactory performance on the exam, the student will have one attempt to retake the exam, scheduled at the end of the semester in which the exam was taken. Failure to demonstrate satisfactory performance on the retake of the exam will result in termination from the program. This requirement may be waived in an exceptional case if the RME faculty deems it appropriate to do so.
Affiliated Faculty
Faculty affiliated with this specialization area include:
