EPPS Course Descriptions
EPPS 6304 Advanced Analytic Techniques (3 semester hours) This course prepares
students to use advanced methods in economic and policy analysis. Topics
include matrices and matrix operations, input-output analysis, the Cobb-Douglas
production function and linear programming. (3-0) R
EPPS 6310 Research
Design I (3
semester hours) This course is the first in a
two-course sequence devoted to the research enterprise and the study of data
development strategies and techniques to facilitate effective statistical
analysis. Topics generally covered include: (1) issues and techniques in social
science research with emphasis on philosophy of science, theory testing, and
hypothesis formulation; (2) measurement and data collection strategies, reliability
and validity of measures and results, sampling, surveys; and (3) examination of
qualitative versus quantitative research techniques, working with observational
data, field research issues, and triangulation. (3-0) Y
EPPS 6313 Introduction to Quantitative Methods (3 semester hours) This
introductory graduate-level statistics course is geared to the consumption of
statistical methods commonly used in social science research. Topics include creating and interpreting
graphical and tabular summaries of data, descriptive statistics, basic
probability theory, sampling distributions, basic hypothesis testing (t-tests,
chi-square tests, and analysis of variance), estimation
of population parameters, confidence intervals and correlation. An introduction
to regression analysis will also be provided. Topics are supported by
computer-supported data analyses. (3 semester hours) (3-0) Y
EPPS 6316 Applied Regression (3 semester hours) This course
provides a survey of the bivariate and multiple regression models estimated
using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), with an emphasis on using regression models
to test social and economic hypotheses. This application-focused course
presents examples drawn from economics, political science, public policy and
sociology, introduces the basic concepts and interpretation of regression
models, and basic methods of inference. Topics are supported by
computer-supported data analyses. Prerequisite: EPPS 6313. (3-0) Y
EPPS 6342
Research Design II
(3 semester hours) This course is the second in a two-course sequence devoted
to the study of data development strategies and techniques to facilitate
effective statistical analysis. Topics generally covered include: the logic of
causal inquiry and inference in the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences,
the elaboration paradigm and model specification, anticipating and handling
threats to internal validity, hierarchies of design structure (experimental,
quasi-experimental and non-experimental): linking design structure to effect
estimation strategies and analyzing design elements in published literature.
Students will be required to select a research topic in consultation with the
instructor and prepare a written comparative design analysis. EPPS 6310, EPPS
6316 or equivalents recommended. (3-0) Y
EPPS 6346
Qualitative Research Methods (3 semester hours) this course provides an overview of
qualitative research in the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. Students
will investigate the assumptions underlying qualitative research approaches and
critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of such approaches. Possible
topics may include participant observation, ethnographic interviewing,
ethnomethodology, conversation analysis, case study, and the analysis of
historical documents. (3-0) T
EPPS 6352 Evaluation Research Methods in the Economic,
Political and Policy
Sciences (3 semester hours) A review
of research methods used in program evaluation, with an emphasis on public and
non-profit social programs. Issues to be
addressed include research design, appropriate performance standards,
measurement and selection of individuals, sampling, data
collectionand data analysis. (3-0) Y
EPPS 7304
Cost-Benefit Analysis
(3 semester hours) Examines methods for measuring costs and benefits of public
projects and policies, and the application of cost-benefit analysis to areas
such as economic development, water resources, recreation, transportation,
regulation, and the environment. (3-0) T
EPPS 7313 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics (3 semester hours) This course is designed to prepare students for the advanced
quantitative methodology courses required of advanced degree students. The
fundamentals of sampling design and measurement will be covered. Students will
then develop an understanding of the principles by which a variety of
statistical methodologies function, from simple, two-sample tests to more
complex non-parametric and asymmetric methods. The course closes with an
introduction to multiple regression. While the only
pre-requisite is a sound foundation in algebra, some familiarity with the
fundamentals of calculus and linear algebra will provide a stronger foundation
for learning. Topics are supported by computer-supported data analyses using
application-specific software. (3-0) Y
EPPS 7316 Regression and Multivariate Analysis (3 semester hours) This course
provides a detailed examination of the multiple regression models estimated
using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), with an emphasis on using regression models
to test social and economic hypotheses. Also covered are several special topics
in regression analysis, including violations of OLS assumptions, the use of
dummy variables, and fixed effects models. The course ends with an introduction
to advanced topics in regression analysis, qualitative response models, and
non-OLS approaches to estimation. Topics are supported by computer-supported
data analyses using application-specific software. Prerequisite: EPPS 7313.
(3-0) Y
EPPS 7318
Structural Equation and Multilevel (Hierarchical) Modeling (3 semester hours) An introduction
to structural equation modeling (SEM) and multilevel modeling (MLM), sometimes
called hierarchical linear or mixed modeling. SEM represents a general approach
to the statistical examination of the fit of a theoretical model to empirical
data. Topics include observed variable (path) analysis, latent variable models
(e.g., confirmatory factor analysis), and latent variable SEM analyses. MLM
represents a general approach to handling data that are nested within each
other or have random components. Topics include dealing with two-level data
that may be cross-sectional, such as students within classes, or longitudinal,
such as repeated observations on individuals, firms or countries. EPPS
7316 or equivalent recommended. Prerequisite: ECON 6306 or ECON 6309 or EPPS 6316
or permission of instructor. (3-0) R
EPPS 7344 Categorical and Limited Dependent Variables (3 semester hours)
This course examines several types of advanced
regression models that are frequently used in policy analysis and social
science research. The key similarity of these models is that they involve
dependent variables that violate one or more of the assumptions of the Ordinary
Least Squares (OLS) regression model. The main models examined in the course
are binary logit and probit, multinomial logit, ordinal probit, tobit, and the family of Poisson regression models. All
these models are estimated using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). The
Heckman correction for selection is also addressed. EPPS 6316 or the
equivalent recommended. (3-0) Y
EPPS 7368
Spatial Epidemiology
(3 semester hours) Examines the conceptual and analytic tools used to
understand how spatial distributions of exposure impact on processes and
patterns of disease. Emphasizes the special design, measurement,
and analysis issues associated with spatial patterns of diseases.
Contemporary diseases of public health importance are addressed, and the
statistical and inferential skills are provided that can be used in
understanding how spatial patterns arise and their implications for
intervention. Prerequisite: EPPS 6313 or equivalent. (3-0) R
EPPS 7370 Time
Series Analysis
(3 semester hours) The course considers several
important topics in applied time series analysis including the specification
and testing Box-Jenkins transfer function/intervention models. Other topics
include pooled cross-sectional time series models, VAR, the LSE Approach,
unit-roots, cointegration, error correction models, encompassing and exogeneity
tests, and ARFIMA models. Students also learn how to use programs such as
Eviews and RATS. EPPS 7316 or equivalent recommended (3-0) R
EPPS 7380
Applied Multivariate Analysis (3 semester hours) Application of multivariate statistical
techniques to spatial and economic data. Covers parametric
and non-parametric statistical theory and application including multiple linear
and non-linear regression, poisson, and binomial regression, principal
components and factor analysis, discriminant function analysis, and canonical
correlation. Includes an introduction to SAS
computing. Prerequisites: EPPS 6316 or ECON 6306 (3-0) R
EPPS 7386
Survey Research (3 semester hours) This
course exposes students to the use of survey methods in social science
research. Emphasis is placed on interview and questionnaire techniques and the
construction and sequencing of survey questions. Attention is also devoted to
sampling theory, sampling and non-sampling errors, and the use of recent
advances in fieldwork to reduce measurement error in surveys. EPPS 6313 or
equivalent recommended. (3-0) R
EPPS 7388 Workshop
in Teaching Effectiveness
(1-3 credit hours) Workshop will focus on preparing students for positions as
teaching assistants, lecturers, and those who expect to teach as a career in
the Social Sciences. Emphasis will be placed on videotaped student
presentations and feedback, guest presentations, student visits to EPPS faculty
classes. [(1-3)-0] R.