On the Design, Planning and Presentation of Monte Carlo Simulations

Monday November 6, 2023,  2:00pm - 4:00pm ET       

Register online here.       

Speakers: 

Luke Miratrix, Harvard University 

James E. Pustejovsky, University of Wisconsin - Madison 

Monte Carlo simulations are a tool for evaluating quantitative methods and data analysis strategies, for purposes of informing research practices, planning empirical evaluations (e.g., for determining needed sample sizes), and developing data analysis workflows (e.g., for developing pre-registered analysis protocols). This webinar will offer a high-level, conceptual introduction to the use of Monte Carlo simulations in the context of quantitative education research. We will begin by discussing the types of questions that can be investigated using simulations, then offer an overview of the major components and decisions involved in designing a simulation. We will discuss ways of reporting the results of simulations, with an emphasis on visualization. While we generally will avoid discussing the technical details of statistical programming, we will offer pointers to additional resources for learning more about how to program and execute simulations using the R statistical computing environment.