PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS
March 11, 2009
2 pm 104, Benton Hall |
Discussion regarding the recently announced NIH Challenge Grant announcements
The Survey, Statistics, and Psychometrics (SSP) Core Facility held a discussion regarding the recently announced NIH Challenge Grant announcements on Wednesday, March 11th at 2pm in 104 Benton Hall. The SSP Core helped to submit an NIH Challenge grant by: 1) providing guidance regarding feasibility and fit with the opportunities, 2) providing advice and consulting on research design and implementation plans, 3) highlighting the need to address some very unique aspects of this funding opportunity (e.g., quarterly reports covering impacts such as the creation of jobs), and 4) helping investigators to be prepared for the new NIH Submission and Review Criteria. |
February 6, 2009
9am- 12:30pm
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Hands-on Introduction to Text Data Analysis with MAXqda
Learnt the basics of using MAXqda2007! MAXqda (http://www.maxqda.com/) a popular and user-friendly qualitative data analysis software package that facilitates a researcher's process for analyzing qualitative data. This half-day workshop provided researchers with a hands-on introduction to using MAXqda to analyze text data. Topics included: setting up a database, coding data, recording memos, reviewing coded data, and developing results within different qualitative designs. Participants also learnt about advanced features in the software. These features include: sets for comparing results, text retrieval tools for interrogating coded data, MAXMaps for developing visual displays of findings, matrix browsers for examining the distributions of codes, and incorporating quantitative data within the qualitative database. |
November 7, 2008
9am- 11am Henzlik, Design Center Room 123 |
Collecting, Managing, and Sharing Large Datasets
Frank Baumgartner and Bryan Jones are experts in collecting, managing and sharing large datasets. They used these datasets to theoretically and empirically revolutionize the study of public policy with their already-classic book, Agendas and Instability in American Politics (University of Chicago Press, 1993), winner of the 2001 Aaron Wildavsky Award for Enduring Contribution to the Study of Public Policy. They continued collecting and managing data to refine and extend their theory of punctuated equilibrium in policy in their latest book, The Politics of Attention: How Government Prioritizes Problems (Chicago, 2005). Their Policy Agendas Project website (www.policyagendas.org), on which they maintain a large number of datasets for use by other scholars, won the 2007 Best Instructional Website award from the American Political Science Association. In a hands-on presentation involving individual work with real data, Jones and Baumgartner inspired attendees to consider how they can draw multiple datasets into their own work in a variety of academic disciplines. They provided advice on how to use both one’s own personally collected data and archival data to gain better traction on research questions. Finally, they discussed best practices in maintaining and sharing datasets so other scholars can benefit from them. Attendees with interest in longitudinal data analysis, especially over decades-long time spans,found the presentation and hands-on work especially helpful. |
October 23, 2008
Noon-1pm 104, Benton Hall |
An Introduction to Analyzing Qualitative Data with MAXqda
Qualitative research includes the collection and analysis of non-structured text and image data originating from interviews, observations, and documents or other materials. Qualitative researchers employ an analytic process that usually includes exploring the data, coding the data, developing description and themes from codes, and writing up the findings. MAXqda is a popular and user-friendly qualitative data analysis (qda) software package that facilitates a researcher's implementation of this analytic process. The presentation provided an introductory overview of the capabilities and use of MAXqda for analyzing qualitative data, including how to set up a database, coding and theme development, and examining coded data. In addition, it briefly highlighted a few features of the software that are useful for linking qualitative findings with quantitative data. The presentation was followed by a hands-on workshop in spring 2009 where individuals received more extensive training on using MAXqda. |
September 17, 2008
Noon-1pm 104, Benton Hall |
Utilizing Internal Funding Resources to Develop Successful Grant Proposals
UNL provides internal funding opportunities to support research through annual university-wide competitions. Internal funding from the Office of Research and from the Research Council can be utilized a variety of ways, depending on your research needs. This presentation covered the basics of using internal funding to develop a successful grant proposal. The SSP offered this presentation early in the semester, as most of the internal competitions were due in October and November. This presentation addressed Layman Awards, Faculty Seed Grants, Interdisciplinary Research Grants, Grants-in-Aid, and Minority Health-related Research Projects. In addition to an introduction of the various funding opportunities, an overview of resources available at UNL to assist in designing an effective internal funding proposal that maximizes the potential for obtaining subsequent external funding was also presented. The presentation included a talk by Dr. Julia McQuillan, who discussed how she had utilized multiple internal funding resources to successfully obtain external funding. |
May 12-13, 2008
8-5pm (5/12) 8-1pm (5/13) Great Hall, Wick Center |
NIH Social or Behavioral Sciences Grant Proposal
This FREE workshop was presented by Dr. Lawrence Scheier (co-editor of new publication, The Complete Writing Guide to NIH Behavioral Science Grants), Dr. William Bukoski (former senior scientist and program official from NIDA), and Dr. Karol Kumpfer (former director of the DHHS/SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Prevention). The one-and-a-half day workshop, a combination of presentations and hands-on activities, was structured around advice on NIH grant writing specifically in the social and behavioral sciences. The entire grant making process was discussed, including demonstrating feasibility by highlighting preliminary data/experiences, power, and unique methodological concerns that are germane to social and behavior scientists. |
April 25, 2008
9-2pm Quarry Oaks |
Health Disparities Retreat
The Behavioral Health Program of Excellence is sponsoring this Health Disparities Retreat, in concert with the SSP. Great strides have been made in improving the health and quality of life of many in the United States, however, many groups, such as ethnic minority groups, rural communities, women and low-income at-risk populations have not benefited. They are at greater risk and have a much higher prevalence of myriad negative health outcomes when compared to the population as a whole. NIH and NICHD have allocated major funds to research focusing on health disparities. The goal of the Health Disparities Retreat is to facilitate interdisciplinary, intercampus, teams of researchers who are interested in researching a broad array of areas in health disparities, and in working together to apply for these grants. Lunch will be provided and attendance is free and open to any faculty interested in health disparity research. |
April 25, 2008
8.30-12.30pm 738, Oldfather Hall |
Atlas.ti Workshop
This is a workshop by Dr. Ron Shope, Office of Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research. Learn the Basics of how to use the popular qualitative software program, Atlas.ti with you’re your own data! This half-day workshop is designed for qualitative and or mixed-methods researchers who have already collected data and want to learn how to use Atlas.ti using their data. The training will take you though the basic processes involved in qualitative data analysis including coding, identifying themes, searching, and creating visual models of themes. We will also discuss ways in which you can structure Atlas.ti to fit the qualitative approach you are using. The training is free, but is open to a limited number of graduate students and faculty and you must register with SSP to reserve your spot. You should bring your data with you on a USB drive, with your text documents saved in Rich Text format. If you have pictures, they should be in one of the common formats such as .jpg or .gif. This is an interactive hands-on workshop so come ready to work and have fun learning how Atlas can help you manage the process of qualitative data analysis. |
April 23, 2008
2-4pm 104, Benton Hall |
Using Visual Design to Improve Measurement in Web Surveys
One of the most important realizations within survey methodology in the last decade is that visual design can substantially impact the answers one receives in surveys. This presentation, offered by Dr. Jolene D. Smyth (Sociology), will begin by reviewing the relevant theory of visual perception, and will then show how the theory can be applied to the visual design of surveys to improve measurement (and how it has been inadvertently applied in ways that undermine measurement). Finally, Dr. Smyth will "workshop" examples from the audience. |
April 1, 2008
1-3pm Heritage Room, Nebraska Union |
How Survey Methodology is Changing by Dr. Don A. Dillman
This talk, which will be included as part of the Research Fair, will focus on a number of critical issues now facing designers and users of sample surveys. They include why mixed-mode surveys are becoming popular, and in some cases necessary and how survey design practices must change in order for sample surveys to work well. His talk will include discussion of the difficulties surveyors now face with changing coverage for landline telephones and low telephone response rates. Also to be described will be the difficulties with getting web surveys to work as a replacement methodology for surveying general public and certain other populations. In addition he’ll explain why aural vs. visual communication has emerged as a major issue influencing the collection of equivalent data from different survey modes. The general theme of his talk will be the turbulence now being experienced in designing high quality surveys and the research needed for leading us past this challenging era. |
March 28, 2008
1:30-3:30pm 104 Benton Hall |
IRB and NUGrant Overview
This presentation provided a step by step explanation of how to submit human participant research proposals via NUgrant, as well as an explanation of the types of information the IRB needs to have in each section of the form. Each of the four forms currently on the IRB part of NUgrant (new protocol application, continuing review application, change in protocol request, and final reports) will be discussed. Speakers include Dr. Daniel Vasgird, Director of the Office of Research Compliance Services, and Becky Freeman, IRB Specialist. |
February 22, 2008
1:30-3:30pm 104, Benton Hall |
Support for Writing Grant Proposals at UNL
This presentation summarized the various support mechanisms at UNL that are available to assist social and behavioral science faculty develop grants. The session addressed the types of resources and support available at each step along the way, from idea generation to final grant submission. Guest speakers from across the campus discussed the services they provide. Speakers included Sara Trickie from proposal development, Susan Lund from the pre-award office, Stacia Jorgenson from the Bureau of Sociological Research, and Mindy Anderson-Knott from SSP.
Watch the videos of this session Download PowerPoint slides of this session
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January 25, 2008
1:30-3:30pm 104, Benton Hall |
New Investigator and Early Career Grant OpportunitiesAn overview of NIH and NSF grant mechanisms with an emphasis on the types of awards specifically targeted to new investigators and related opportunities where first time funding is a more likely outcome. |
December 10, 2007
12pm-2.00pm |
Building a Foundation for Grant Funded ResearchThis presentation covered the basics of using seed funding to collect pilot data and incorporating that data into a grant proposal. In addition to an overview of UNL seed funding opportunities and local support resources, two successful UNL guest speakers (Kim Tyler from Sociology and Anne Schutte from Psychology)discussed their personal experiences with using seed funding for this purpose. Presented by Kim Tyler from Sociology and Anne Schutte from Psychology Download PowerPoint slides of Seed Funding Overview Download PowerPoint slides of Anne Schutte's Presentation Download PowerPoint slides of Kimberly Tyler's Presentation
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October 24, 2007
2-3.30pm |
Seeking Doctoral Dissertation Support from the National Science Foundation:Do's and Don'tsThe talk examined Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants program as administered by the Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences at the National Science Foundation. A general discussion of the program was presented as well as program specific requirements. Information was provided on typical pitfalls in the process as well as restrictions of the manner in which funding can be used. Presented by Dr.Brian D. Humes Watch the video of this session
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September 21, 2007 (2-5pm) |
CONTEXT AND CHANGE IN HEALTH RESEARCH: A MULTILEVEL MODEL APPROACH The one hour lecture introduced researchers to the logic of multilevel modeling for the analysis of context effects (e.g. neighborhood, family, hospital, therapy group, occupations, schools) on health, and for studying changes in health and health trajectories. Although seemingly two very different topics, the methods for analyzing individuals nested in contexts (e.g. individuals in occupations) is the same as methods for analyzing repeated measures within individuals and changes in health over time. This lecture used examples from health research and examined the kinds of context and change questions that are possible to answer with the increasingly complex data sets available to researchers. For example, they explored how to answer questions such as: Presented by Dr. Julia McQuillan Watch the video of this session
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September 6-11, 2007 (8:30am-12pm) |
MISSING DATA WORKSHOP SERIES The workshop series was designed to increase applied researchers’ understanding of the missing data problem so that they could choose the best method for handling their data in a way to minimize bias and make the most of the information that they have. The series included a session to introduce the topic, hands-on sessions focusing on two popular methods for handling missing data: Multiple Imputation (MI) and Full Information Maximum Likelihood (FIML), and a session addressing missing data in multilevel and longitudinal models. Presented by Dr. Levente Littvay Download PowerPoint slides of Day1 Download PowerPoint slides of Day3  
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July 19-20, 2007 (8:30am-12pm) |
AN INTRODUCTION TO SPSS WORKSHOP The first day of the workshop focused on data entry, data management, and the computation of basic descriptive statistics in SPSS. The worskhop included a discussion regarding reading in raw data as well as importing data from programs like Excel. Furthermore, it addressed how to create and code variables in order to better interpret collected data. Finally, it demonstrated how to compute measures of central tendency (e.g., mean, median, mode) using SPSS and how to sort and split your data file to analyze subsets of your sample. Presented by Jamie Marincic and Leanne Hicks |
Friday, May 11th 2007 Monday, May 14th, 2007
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2007 LONGITUDINAL DATA ANALYSIS WORKSHOPSThe first workshop, led by family researcher Alan Acock, included an introduction to latent variable modeling (structural equation modeling) and the practical details of estimating latent growth curves with Mplus software. Participants learnt how to set up data, how to handle missing data, and how to do preliminary analyses of data to get an idea of the patterns that may emerge. In the next step, participants estimated overall average trajectories (e.g., does the dependent variable tend to increase or decrease, or is the latent trajectory non-linear?), if there are differences in trajectories (e.g., do some children learn words faster than other children?), and why trajectories might differ (e.g. why do some adolescents start using alcohol and increase rapidly, while others have a more gradual increase in drinking days?). Working with growth mixture models, growth models with binary outcomes and with outcomes that are counts was introduced. The second workshop, led by statistician Walt Stroup, reviewed basic change models/growth curve modeling from a SAS software perspective, and extended the approach to nominal and categorical outcomes (e.g. depression episodes, offending, using substances, having a child). This workshop also included models that focus on how changes in predictors (e.g. changes in physical health) are associated with changes in outcomes (e.g. changes in mental health). These change models (sometimes called simply multi-level models of change, other times called fixed effects pooled time series) focus on the effects of changes in predictors on changes in outcomes. Presented by: Alan Acock,Walt Stroup Download Growth Curve Presentation of Day1 Download Intro to Mplus of Day1 Download PowerPoint slides of Day2
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RESCHEDULED DATE
12:00pm-1:00pm |
AN INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS USING SOFTWAREYou've probably heard of software packages such as SPSS, SAS and MiniTab that are used for analyzing quantitative data. But, what do we do when our data consists of hundreds of pages of text and images? Researchers can choose to use qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo, Atlas.ti, HyperResearch and MAXqda. This session will review basic principles of qualitative research and the software packages that are available to analyze qualitative data and will show how software can be an effective tool for qualitative data analysis using Atlas.ti as an example. Presented by: Dr. Ronald J. Shope Watch the video of this session Download PowerPoint slides of this session
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Friday, Mar. 30, 2007
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UNIT NONRESPONSE WHEN COLLECTING DATA. WHEN AND HOW MUCH SHOULD WE WORRY?Nonresponse bias is one of the potential sources of error when collecting data on human population. The recent decline in response rates in telephone surveys, for example, worries many researchers about the representativeness of their final sample. In this lecture nonresponse will be decomposed showing the relationship between response rates and bias for the statistics of interest. Methods for assessing nonresponse bias and to improve response rates will be discussed in light of recent publications in the field. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines on acceptable response rates will be also presented because of the potential interest when conducting surveys with federally sponsored research. A list of current references will be made available to participants. Presented by: Mario Callegaro Watch the video of this session Download PDF slides of this session
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Wed, Mar. 28, 2007 8:30 am - 12:30 pm and Thur, Mar 29, 2007 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
104 Benton Hall |
Hands-On Training Workshop on NVivo7 for Qualitative Data AnalysisQualitative researchers work with a variety of data: transcripts, diaries, case notes, and even pictures. Managing all this rich data can often be daunting. NVivo7, the latest tool in Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS) is designed for qualitative researchers who need to combine subtle coding with qualitative linking, shaping, searching and modelling. This 8-hour NVivo7 training will take you through the basic & advanced features of NVivo 7 and will cover the following modules: Data Preparation; Data Coding; Data Analysis; and Data Modelling. The training is free and is open to graduate students as well as faculty members, but please register to reserve your place. Presented by: Marie-Hélène Paré, Licensed QSR NVivo Trainer Sponsored by the Office of Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research (OQMMR) and the SSP Core.
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Friday, Mar. 23, 2007
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AN INTRODUCTION TO SURVEY RESEARCHWhat survey research design is most appropriate for my research needs? This session will focus on how to include a survey research component in your proposal. Various survey data collection modes (telephone interviews, personal interviews, mail, web, etc.) will be described to help you determine the appropriate survey design for your research needs. This session will also cover basic questionnaire design and pretesting issues to help guide you through the process of conducting survey research. Presented by: Dr. Robert Belli, Psychology/SRAM; Mindy Anderson-Knott, SSP Core Watch the video of this session Download PowerPoint slides of this session
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Thursday, March 22, 2007
12:00pm-1:00pm 104 Benton Hall |
An Introduction to NVivo7 for Qualitative Data AnalysisQualitative researchers work with a variety of data: transcripts, diaries, case notes, and even pictures. Managing all this rich data can often be daunting. NVivo7, the latest tool in Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS), is designed for qualitative researchers who need to combine subtle coding with qualitative linking, shaping, searching and modelling. This 1-hour NVivo7 demonstration will give an overview of how the software can facilitate the coding, analysis and modelling of research findings in the context of qualitative & mixed methods study designs. The demonstration is free and is opened to graduate students as well as faculty members. Presented by: Marie-Hélène Paré, Licensed QSR NVivo Trainer Sponsored by the Office of Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research (OQMMR) and the SSP Core. Watch the video of this session Download PowerPoint slides of this session
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Friday, Mar. 9, 2007
(New Location) |
AN INTRODUCTION TO MIXED METHODS RESEARCHInterest in using research approaches that mix quantitative and qualitative data and analysis has emerged to the point where mixed methods research is now considered as a third methodological approach along side quantitative and qualitative research (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2003; Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). While interest is growing, most researchers currently lack a clear definition of this approach and an understanding of when it can or should be used. This session will present a straightforward introduction to mixed methods research by addressing the questions most often asked by researchers new to mixed methods: What is this approach? When should it be used? What are its advantages over other approaches? What designs are available? Is it realistic to use this approach? The discussion of these issues will be augmented with examples drawn from across the social and health sciences. Presented by: Dr. John Creswell, Educational Psychology
Watch the video of this session Download PowerPoint slides of this session
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Feb 14, 2007 |
Measuring Success |
| Friday, Feb. 9, 2007 12:00pm-1:00pm 104 Benton Hall |
AN INTRODUCTION TO SAMPLING AND POWER ANALYSISI’ve decided on a design. Now, how many observations do I need? Sample size is a critically important factor in conducting successful research. A needlessly large sample is expensive and may be counter-productive, but an inadequate sample can prevent you from detecting important differences. This session will cover the various factors to consider when determining the “right” sample size for your research. Presented by: Dr. Walt Stroup, Statistics Watch the video of this session Download PowerPoint slides of this session
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| Friday, Jan. 26, 2007 12:00pm-1:00pm 104 Benton Hall |
AN INTRODUCTION TO EVALUATION RESEARCHAlmost every funding agency now wants an “evaluation” of your projects’ success. But, what is evaluation? What are those scary terms like formative, summative, outcomes, and logic models? This session will cover the basics of evaluation including how to plan for evaluation, how to meet funding agency evaluation needs, and how to use evaluation for your own benefit. Presented by: Dr. Duane Shell, Educational Psychology
Watch the video of this session Download PowerPoint slides of this session
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| Friday, Dec. 1, 2006 12:00pm-1:00pm 104 Benton Hall |
CONNECTING RESEARCH OBJECTIVES WITH APPROPRIATE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS TECHNIQUESThis session will walk you through a protocol template designed to guide you through the issues you will need to address when planning a research project. Attending this session will help you produce a higher quality proposal by helping you identify the relavent details for your project from general objectives (typically stated in subject matter terms) through determining the most effective design and analysis (typically stated in “methodology-speak”). Presented by: Dr. Walt Stroup, Statistics Watch the video of this session Download PowerPoint slides of this session
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| Friday, Nov. 10, 2006 12:00pm-1:00pm 104 Benton Hall |
RESEARCHER PANELWant to do research, but don’t know where to begin? Learn from other UNL researchers how they progressed from beginning researchers to where they are today. The panel participants discussed how they got started in research, tips on funding opportunities, and lessons they’ve learned. The panel included Sue Sheridan from Educational Psychology, Marc Kiviniemi from Psychology, and Rose Torres Stone from Sociology. Watch the video of this session
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| Friday, Oct. 6, 2006 12:00pm-1:00pm 104 Benton Hall |
THE STRUCTURE OF NIH GRANT APPLICATIONSThis session summarized the required elements of an NIH grant application. Discussion of each core element (e.g., budget, personnel, specific aims, prior studies, research methods and design, human subjects protection) and where on campus you can get assistance in preparing your grant was covered. This session also provided an introduction to the new required electronic submission format for R03 and R21 applications (eventually all mechanisms will be electronic). This was a joint session with the Behavioral Health Program of Excellence. Presented by: Dr. Dan Hoyt, Sociology Watch the video of this session Download PowerPoint slides of this session
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Friday, Sept. 29, 2006 |
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCHThe objective of this session provided an introduction to the types of social science research supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH). This session offered an overview of the types of grant opportunities and announcements (e.g., RFA, RFP), NIH agencies and centers with particular relevance to social scientists (e.g., NIMH, NIDA, NICHD), and grant mechanisms with a particular emphasis on those appropriate for new investigators (e.g., R03, R21, K01). This was a joint session with the Behavioral Health Program of Excellence. Presented by: Dr. Dan Hoyt, Sociology Watch the video of this session Download PowerPoint slides of this session
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