What This Document Is
This is a comprehensive study guide for UPP 588: Research Design and Evaluation, a course offered at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It serves as a foundational resource outlining the core principles and practical applications of research methodologies within the social sciences, with a specific focus on program and policy evaluation. This guide details the course structure, expectations, and key areas of study for students navigating the complexities of research design.
Why This Document Matters
This study guide is essential for students enrolled in UPP 588, as well as anyone seeking a structured overview of research design and evaluation techniques. It’s particularly valuable at the beginning of the course to understand expectations and required materials. Professionals involved in public policy, program management, and social science research will also find it a useful reference for understanding the systematic approach to evaluating initiatives and understanding research findings.
Topics Covered
* Fundamentals of research design in the social sciences
* Needs assessment methodologies
* Program efficiency evaluation, including benefit-cost analysis
* Impact assessment strategies – experimental and quasi-experimental designs
* Regression analysis techniques for evaluation
* Qualitative evaluation methods and their applications
* Analyzing and interpreting research publications in various fields (welfare, environment, economics, transportation)
* The stages of program development and evaluation question formulation
What This Document Provides
* A detailed course description and learning objectives
* Instructor contact information and office hours
* A comprehensive list of required readings, including textbooks and journal articles
* Information on course prerequisites (statistics, software familiarity)
* A breakdown of course requirements, including readings, participation, practice problems, quizzes, exams, and a final research design paper
* Details regarding class participation expectations and assessment methods
* An outline of the final paper requirements, including length and scope
* Information on project presentation components.
