Quantitative Psychologists study and develop methods and techniques for the measurement of human behavior and other attributes. Their work involves the statistical and mathematical modeling of psychological processes, the design of research studies, and the analysis of psychological data.
The Quantitative Psychology Program at The Ohio State University focuses on the following methodological and modeling traditions:
- Psychometrics: Measurement of psychological concepts
- Latent variable modeling: Factor analysis, Covariance Structure Models, Mixed models
- Bayesian methods
- Uncertainty quantification: Sensitivity analysis
- Research Design
These methodological and modeling traditions can be broadly applied to the following data:
- Responses to tests and questionnaires
- Reaction time and response data
- Repeated measures, change, and developmental data
- Choice data
- Observational, experimental and quasi-experimental data
- Brain Functioning data
Active research participation is central to the training program. Students are expected to choose a faculty advisor early and work closely with that person on projects of mutual interest. Students are also encouraged to develop collaborative research interests with other faculty as well as with fellow students. These collaborations serve as a foundation from which independent research programs are built.
The curriculum of the quantitative program is structured to be flexible and diverse; it is organized to help students develop a course of study that fits their goals. Formal coursework varies, depending on students’ background and interests.
Research in quantitative psychology requires mathematical and statistical expertise, and students should have a strong background in these areas. Computational and programming skills are also complement research in quantitative methodology. Thus, students have the opportunity and are encouraged to supplement their studies with courses in mathematics, statistics, methodology and data analytics which is listed here.
Program of Study
Students will develop an individualized study program, leading to the Ph.D. degree in four to five years.
During the first two years, students are expected to conduct collaborative research with their faculty advisor. In addition, students will complete coursework in a major and minor fields of study to fulfill the requirements of the M.S. degree. This degree includes completing a masters thesis. The third and fourth years of study are devoted to extending expertise, developing independent research projects, and completing the doctoral dissertation. More information on the curriculum is available in quantitative program’s graduate handbook.
The program offers many opportunities for research completed either collaboratively or independently. In addition, activities associated with teaching or research assistantships will provide further valuable experience. Depending on individual interests, the program is flexible enough to prepare students for an academic career or for a research career in the private sector.
Facilities and Financial Support
The offices and laboratories of the program are housed in the recently renovated Lazenby Hall, located across the Historic Mirror Lake and the Thompson Library. The facilities of the program include a central computer laboratory, providing microcomputers and related equipment. This facility is used for a variety of research-related activities, including data analysis and word processing. In addition, individual faculty have computer laboratories designed to support their own research programs. Students will also have access to the university’s extensive and powerful system of mainframe computers.
Fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching associateships are available to first-year students on a competitive basis. The program typically provides tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend to graduate students for five years of study.