Methodological Issues in Quantitative Research on Race and Ethnicity

Instructor(s):

• Phillip Bowman, University of Michigan
• John Garcia, University of Arizona

This course examines research design, measurement, and analysis issues in quantitative research on racial and ethnic populations in the United States. Individuals with a substantive interest in policy-relevant social science research on race, ethnicity and related diversity challenges will be afforded the opportunity to explore a variety of methodological issues. "Hands-on" data analysis will be an integral component of the learning experience to help participants refine both their analytic skills and research agendas.

Methodological areas to be covered will include: reliable and valid measurement of racial and ethnic variables in major survey studies; innovative sampling strategies for diverse populations; race-related measurement errors in data collection; and analysis options, traditions, trends and issues within various social sciences, professional fields and public policy arenas. The class will bridge an inter- and cross-disciplinary perspective (sociology, psychology, political science, economics, etc.) with a policy-relevant focus on racial/ethnic disparities (health, education, criminal justice, urban poverty, etc.).

Requirements: course participants must have had at least two courses in statistics, as well as a course on research methods/design. Participants are encouraged to also enroll in an appropriate ICPSR Summer Program statistics course. This ICPSR workshop is also one of several core components of a new National Consortium for Diversity Research & Policy Initiative based at the National Center for Institutional Diversity.

Admission: applicants must submit a vita and a cover letter. Supporting materials can be submitted electronically through the Summer Program registration portal on each applicant’s Summer Program page.

Application Deadline: April 27, 2009.

Dates:  June 22-July 17 

Fee:  consult the fee structure