Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods

Course Overview

Educational psychologists have in common the philosophy that we learn about educational processes, and ultimately improve them, through research, that is, by collecting and studying empirical data. The program integrates two strands of course work: First, rigorous preparation in quantitative research methods (statistics; measurement, secondary analysis of large-scale data sets; and research design) , and second, substantive study of learning in schools and classrooms, educational policies, programs, and practices, and interventions developed to promote student learning. Educational psychologists often use principles drawn from other social sciences. The study of human development, cognition, and motivational processes in particular is a central part of the program. The program includes a core of common courses plus an individualized set of courses and topics selected by the student in consultation with the educational psychology faculty. Graduates of our programs work in a variety of different environments ranging from professorial appointments in colleges and universities (generally in education, psychology or the health-related professions) to classroom and resource-room teachers in public schools. Our graduates also work in government agencies, in private research and development organizations, as consultants to business and industry, and in various roles within public schools (e. g. , classroom teachers, directors of research or test development, instructional support and/or supervision).