Randomised Control Trials for Quantitative Social Researchers

Sessions and Times

Two sessions, 09:30 to 12:30

Overview

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are heralded as the gold standard of research design in the social sciences. RCT principles are used in research at all levels of complexity from evaluating national social policies to experimenting with the impact of website designs (there often known as A/B testing). This course will show you how to design and analyse randomised controlled trials and incorporates a blend of presentations and participatory sessions, using examples from the social sciences.

Topics Covered

• The fundamental problem of causal inference and how randomisation helps.
• Neyman–Rubin’s potential outcomes framework.
• An overview of RCTs, from idea and preregistration to final analysis and report.
• Methods of randomisation.
• Choosing a sample size.
• Current best practice in analysing data from RCTs.
• Managing “non-compliance” and other threats to study validity.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• explain the life cycle of an RCT.
• explain the benefits and costs of different RCT designs.
• use the potential outcomes framework to define what can be estimated in an RCT.
• choose a sample size for common designs.
• apply prior knowledge of quantitative analysis to RCTs.
• identify and address common threats to validity in RCTs.

Target Audience

Participants must have a firm grasp of the foundations of quantitative research methods (e.g., linear regression and confidence intervals).

Cost

This course is offered at discounted rates for students, academic, public sector and research staff through our partnership with the University of Southampton.

£35 for UK registered postgraduate students.

£70 for staff at UK/EU academic institutions, UK/EU Research Councils/UKRI Researchers, UK/EU public sector staff, UK/EU registered charity organisations and recognised UK/EU research institutions.

£250 for all other participants.