Because experimentation is such a powerful scientific and statistical tool and one that often introduces clarity into discussions of specific cases of causation, I unabashedly draw on the language and framework of experiments for the model for causal inference.
Experimental design is an essential part of research in the behavioral and health sciences.
The term experimental design refers to a plan for assigning subjects to experimental conditions and the statistical analysis associated with the plan. In PSY 853, students learn the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of experimental designs. Statistical analyses are developed through SAS and the general linear model. Students familiarize themselves with the models for various designs, and with the methods of statistical inference associated with the designs. Completely randomized designs, randomized blocks designs, completely randomized factorial and hierarchical designs, split-plot designs, and analysis of covariance, are included in the course.