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Research Measurement and Statistics

The Research, Measurement, and Statistics (RMS) Concentration focuses on a broad range of quantitative and methodological issues, including multivariate statistics, item response theory, generalizability theory, hierarchical linear modeling, structural equation modeling, time series analysis, growth modeling, and Monte Carlo study. Faculty in the RMS Concentration not only engage in the development and application of cutting edge quantitative research methods: They are are committed to training the next generation of methodologists. Graduates with this specialization are in demand for higher education academic positions (doctoral) and for school- and industry-based jobs in measurement and evaluation. Graduates of the RMS Concentration hold positions at many major universities and research agencies.

Course work in the RMS Concentration focuses on basic and advanced methods used to develop and evaluate different educational and psychological phenomena. In addition to course work, RMS students work with a variety of faculty from other programs and departments during the course of their training. Following the apprentice model of Educational Psychology Foundations, RMS students have ready access to faculty mentors and research advisors. Further, RMS students are in very high demand by faculty to work on their projects as quantitative experts. There are ample opportunities for RMS students to work on federally funded research projects in which they gain invaluable experience related to design of educational studies and measurements, analysis of educational data, evaluation and interpretation of educational outcomes. RMS students can also receive financial support through the Educational Research and Evaluation Laboratory (EREL). The RMS Concentration strongly encourages summer internship experiences for its students. Internship sites have included school districts and test development corporations such as Educational Testing Service and American College Testing.

Faculty of the RMS Concentration

Robert Hall (Associate Professor)

Oi-Man Kwok (Assistant Professor)

Jim McNamara (Professor)

Bruce Thompson (Distinguished Professor, Program coordinator)

Victor Willson (Professor)