OSP Research Design & Data Analysis Lab
Contact Us
Office of Research, Scholarship, and Sponsored Programs
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799
Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
800 UT TYLER
Ph: 903.565.5858
research@uttyler.edu
ORSSP Health Science Center
11937 U.S. Highway 271
Tyler, TX 75708
Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Ph: 903.877.7392
Fx: 903.877.7672
grants@uthct.edu
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
- Meet our consultants and schedule an appointment
- Meet our staff
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: |
9/4/25 |
12pm - 1pm | Dr. Jennifer Watters, Dr. Yonjoo Cho, Dr. Diane Smedley, and Dr. Beth Hyatt | |
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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:
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9/24/25 |
12pm - 1pm | Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD | REGISTER NOW |
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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: |
9/25/25 |
12pm - 1pm | Dr. Jennifer Watters, Dr. Yonjoo Cho, Dr. Diane Smedley, and Dr. Beth Hyatt | |
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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: |
10/16/25 |
12pm - 1pm | Dr. Jennifer Watters, Dr. Yonjoo Cho, Dr. Diane Smedley, and Dr. Beth Hyatt | |
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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:
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10/22/25 |
12pm - 1pm | Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD | REGISTER NOW |
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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: |
11/6/25 |
12pm - 1pm | Dr. Jennifer Watters, Dr. Yonjoo Cho, Dr. Diane Smedley, and Dr. Beth Hyatt | |
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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:
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11/19/25 |
12pm - 1pm | Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD | REGISTER NOW |
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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: |
12/4/25 |
12pm - 1pm | Dr. Jennifer Watters, Dr. Yonjoo Cho, Dr. Diane Smedley, and Dr. Beth Hyatt | |
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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:
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2/25/26 |
12pm - 1pm | Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD | REGISTER NOW |
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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:
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3/25/26 |
12pm - 1pm | Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD | REGISTER NOW |
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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:
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4/25/26 |
12pm - 1pm | Dr. Brandon L Bretl, PhD | REGISTER NOW |
Watch recordings and resources from past webinars and workshops.
Contact Us
Office of Research, Scholarship, and Sponsored Programs
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799
Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
800 UT TYLER
Ph: 903.565.5858
research@uttyler.edu
ORSSP Health Science Center
11937 U.S. Highway 271
Tyler, TX 75708
Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Ph: 903.877.7392
Fx: 903.877.7672
grants@uthct.edu