Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods for Public Policy Analysis
Core Research and Quantitative Methods Courses
Public Policy doctoral students at UMass Boston will gain a solid grounding in research methods. These five courses are central to our program and designed to increase students' sophistication in a broad range of statistical methods and other analyticaltechniques.
Statistics I (PPOL-G 6O4)
This course begins with a basic review of graphical analysis and descriptive statistics. Subsequent topics include the fundamentals of probability theory, basic statistics, the logic of hypothesis testing, and an introduction to the basic linear model. As is true for all of the methods labs, the course makes frequent use of case studies, examples, and computers.
Statistics II (PPOL-G 6O5)
This second-semester statistics lab course is devoted almost exclusively to a study of multiple regression and time series analysis methods, focusing on regression diagnostics and remedies. Topics include weighted least squares and non-linear transformations, the special nature of dummy variables, and the particular problems associated with serially correlated errors in time series models.
Research Methods I (PPOL-G 630)
This course provides the conceptual and practical foundation for policy research and program evaluation. Students will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts and problems involved in designing research.
Research Methods II (PPOL-G 704)
This course will assists students in becoming critical consumers of policy research and in applying specific quantitative and qualitative techniques in policy analysis. Both generic and policy-specific aspects of various techniques are discussed and demonstrated through background readings and examination of concrete policy reports. Students are required to apply and present analyses in their field of interest.
Dissertation Seminar (PPOL-G 891)
The course is divided conceptually into two broad areas: research and writing. Research topics include defining a proposal and a thesis, selecting a topic, literature search and data collection, alternative methodologies, and selecting an advisor and a thesis committee. Writing topics include organizing research materials and developing an outline, overcoming writer's block, and professional and impact writing.
Learning to Build an Equitable Society
Contact us via e-mail at public.policy@umb.edu for more information on our program, or see our PhD Program contact page for additional ways to contact us.
. .TESTIMONIAL FROM AN ALUMNA
"The strong research component of the program helped to prepare me to not only conduct research but to teach research methods and supervise graduate research projects."
-- Shiko Gathuo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Graduate Coordinator
Urban Studies Department
Worcester State College (MA)