OSP Research Design & Data Analysis Lab

Research Design & Data Analysis Lab

Office of Sponsored Programs

About Us

The mission of the Office of Research, Scholarship, and Sponsored Programs (ORSSP) Research Design and Data Analysis Lab is to support research at The University of Texas at Tyler by providing students, faculty, and staff with expert guidance in developing research designs and methods and conducting data analyses that are based on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches.

Our Objectives

  • Provide guidance in the development of research designs and methods for the use with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches including one-on-one consulting, workshops, and tutorials online.
  • Develop a repository of online resources on research approaches, designs, methods, and data analysis for use by students, faculty, staff, and beyond.

Our Team

Resources

  • Visit our resources page to help you with academic writing, qualtrics, data science research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and machine learning.

Upcoming Webinars and Workshops

TOPIC DESCRIPTION DATE TIME SPEAKER REGISTER
Fall 2025: Qualitative Book Club (1)

Join us for our first Fall Book Club meeting as we learn together and discuss chapters 1-4 from: Qualitative research in practice: Examples for discussion and analysis. Participants are encouraged to read the selected chapters prior to the meeting but prior reading is not required. Access to the book is free through the UT Tyler

Library:
E-Book

9/4/25

12pm - 1pm Dr. Jennifer Watters, Dr. Yonjoo Cho, Dr. Diane Smedley, and Dr. Beth Hyatt

REGISTER NOW

 

 

 

     

Foundations of High-Quality Assessment: Purpose, Clarity, and Fairness

This opening session introduces the essential principles of good test, assessment, and survey design. We will cover aligning assessment items with learning objectives, selecting the right format for the intended purpose, and ensuring clarity and fairness for diverse learners. Faculty will leave with a framework for critically evaluating any assessment they use or create. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding the link between purpose, validity, and assessment choice
  • Practical criteria for evaluating existing tests and surveys
  • Strategies for minimizing ambiguity and bias in item wording

9/24/25

12pm - 1pm Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD REGISTER NOW

 

 

 

     
Fall 2025: Qualitative Book Club (2)

Join us for our second Fall Book Club meeting as we learn together and discuss chapters 5-8 from: Qualitative research in practice: Examples for discussion and analysis. Participants are encouraged to read the selected chapters prior to the meeting but prior reading is not required. If you missed a previous meeting, do not hesitate to still join. All are welcome! Access to the book is free through the UT Tyler

Library:
E-Book

9/25/25

12pm - 1pm Dr. Jennifer Watters, Dr. Yonjoo Cho, Dr. Diane Smedley, and Dr. Beth Hyatt

REGISTER NOW

   

 

     
Fall 2025: Qualitative Book Club (3)

Join us for our monthly October Book Club meeting as we learn together and discuss chapters 9-12 from: Qualitative research in practice: Examples for discussion and analysis. Participants are encouraged to read the selected chapters prior to the meeting but prior reading is not required. If you missed a previous meeting, do not hesitate to still join. All are welcome! Access to the book is free through the UT Tyler 

Library:
E-Book

10/16/25

12pm - 1pm Dr. Jennifer Watters, Dr. Yonjoo Cho, Dr. Diane Smedley, and Dr. Beth Hyatt

REGISTER NOW

 

 

 

   

 

Validity, Reliability, and the Science of Measurement

Building on the foundations, this session introduces core measurement concepts—validity, reliability, and fairness—in accessible terms. We will explore how these concepts apply in both traditional contexts (exams, standardized tests) and non-traditional ones (program evaluations, research surveys). Faculty will learn to identify threats to measurement quality and strategies for mitigating them.

Key Takeaways:

  • Definitions and practical applications of key psychometric concepts
  • Tools for identifying common sources of error in measurement
  • Understanding trade-offs in assessment design

10/22/25

12pm - 1pm Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD REGISTER NOW
 

 

 

   

 

Fall 2025: Qualitative Book Club (4)

Join us for our monthly Fall Book Club meeting as we learn together and discuss chapters 13-16 from: Qualitative research in practice: Examples for discussion and analysis. Participants are encouraged to read the selected chapters prior to the meeting but prior reading is not required. If you missed a previous meeting, do not hesitate to still join. All are welcome! Access to the book is free through the UT Tyler

Library:
E-Book

11/6/25

12pm - 1pm Dr. Jennifer Watters, Dr. Yonjoo Cho, Dr. Diane Smedley, and Dr. Beth Hyatt

REGISTER NOW

 

 

 

   

 

Item Writing Mastery: From Multiple-Choice to Open-Ended Excellence

This session focuses on the art and science of item construction. We will cover writing high-quality multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended items that measure intended constructs without unintended difficulty or bias. Real-world examples will illustrate how subtle wording choices influence responses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Principles for writing clear, fair, and discriminating items
  • Avoiding common pitfalls such as double-barreled questions and cueing
  • Best practices for crafting items in both academic and research settings

11/19/25

12pm - 1pm Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD REGISTER NOW
 

 

 

   

 

Fall 2025: Qualitative Book Club (5)

Join us for our monthly Fall Book Club meeting as we learn together and discuss chapters 17-18 from: Qualitative research in practice: Examples for discussion and analysis. Participants are encouraged to read the selected chapters prior to the meeting but prior reading is not required. If you missed a previous meeting, do not hesitate to still join. All are welcome! Access to the book is free through the UT Tyler

Library:
E-Book

12/4/25

12pm - 1pm Dr. Jennifer Watters, Dr. Yonjoo Cho, Dr. Diane Smedley, and Dr. Beth Hyatt

REGISTER NOW

 

 

 

   

 

Beyond the Basics: Introduction to Advanced Psychometrics

This session introduces more sophisticated techniques for evaluating assessments, including item analysis, item difficulty and discrimination indices, and the basics of factor analysis. We will discuss when and why these methods matter, and how they can be applied even in small-scale faculty projects.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to interpret item statistics to improve tests and surveys
  • Understanding the logic behind exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis
  • Identifying when advanced methods add value in applied settings

2/25/26

12pm - 1pm Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD REGISTER NOW

 

 

 

     

Language Matters: Neurolinguistic and Cognitive Considerations in Assessment

This session explores how the brain processes test and survey items, focusing on language comprehension, cognitive load, and cultural-linguistic factors. We will discuss neurolinguistic principles for item clarity, how reading level impacts performance, and strategies for designing assessments that are cognitively accessible without reducing rigor.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding how language processing affects measurement accuracy
  • Practical tools for analyzing and improving item clarity
  • Strategies for reducing unintended cognitive barriers for diverse populations

3/25/26

12pm - 1pm Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD REGISTER NOW

 

 

 

     

Applying Theory to Non-Traditional Assessment and Research Applications

In our closing session, we will expand beyond the classroom to explore assessment in research, community programs, and professional training. Participants will learn how to adapt psychometric principles to non-traditional formats, including performance-based assessments, reflective surveys, and technology-enhanced tools. We will also discuss integrating qualitative elements for mixed-methods approaches.

Key Takeaways:

  • Applying psychometric thinking to novel contexts
  • Designing assessments for experiential learning and program evaluation
  • Combining quantitative and qualitative approaches for richer insights

4/25/26

12pm - 1pm Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD REGISTER NOW


Watch recordings and resources from past webinars and workshops.