Professor Jeffrey R. Edwards University of North Carolina

Proposal for Ph.D. Seminar in Research Methods

Jeffrey R. Edwards
University of North Carolina

This proposal outlines a proposed seminar in research methods to be taught in the Ph.D. program in HR psychology at the University of Valencia.  This seminar will cover advanced techniques that build on regression analysis and can be applied to substantive issues in HR psychology.  The proposed topics will be modified to accommodate the needs, interests, and experience of students in the program.Moderation: This session will address moderation involving categorical and continuous variables, focusing on the formation and analysis of product terms, the interpretation of coefficients on higher-order and lower-order terms, and deriving and testing simple slopes.Nonlinear Relationships: This session will cover the analysis of nonlinear relationships using polynomial and piecewise linear regression.  These methods will be explained and compared, and procedures for probing and interpreting their results will be addressed.Polynomial Regression and Response Surface Methodology: This session will present polynomial regression and response surface methodology as alternatives to difference scores, addressing the specification and interpretation of linear and quadratic regression equations and their associated three-dimensional surfaces.Mediation: This session will address mediation; including the specification and analysis of models with single and multiple mediator variables, criteria of establishing mediation, and techniques for testing mediated effects.Structural Equation Modeling: This session will provide an introduction to structural equation modeling.  Topics include the specification of measurement and structural models, model estimation and interpretation, and the assessment of model fit.