ACC 310 Methods & Statistics III

Content

The objective of this interdisciplinary course is that students experience all phases of a research project including theory, (empirical) research and evaluation of results.

The course assembles small student-teams that work together on a (real life) project, under the supervision of the Methods & Statistics instructor and the subject-instructor (e.g. Linguistics, Economy, Geography, Psychology, History, Sociology, Psychology, etc.). Possible projects are: surveys, structural equation modeling using AMOS, econometric modeling, secondary analysis, experiments (physical, life and social sciences), information seeking projects, content analysis etc. Students select a topic in the track, minor or major that they’ve chosen. This means that they have already mastered competencies in the topic of their choice. Although the emphasis lies on quantitative research, qualitative approaches also are possible. The project results in a ‘Bsc-thesis’ and it is presented during a plenary session at the end of the semester. It becomes part of the portfolio of the student and can be used to apply for admittance at universities and for job-applications.

Instructor

Dr. Pieternel Verhoeven

Period

Spring / 2011

Evaluation/Assessment

The grading is based on the individual assignments (5 * 8% = 40%); the ongoing analysis and report from week 5 – 8 (15%), the quality of the presentations (10%), the log (5%) and the final report (30%). Students have to attend all class meetings. Also active participation is a vital part of this course. In case of unjustified absences, inactive behavior or an incomplete portfolio, the student will be downgraded.

Course Material

• Reader
• Kline, R. B. (2005). Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling. New York; London: Guilford Press.

Prerequisites

The following course is required in order to take this course:

• ACC 210 Methods & Statistics II