Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences and Education

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Herb Innovation Center

THInC Seminar on Methods and Research Techniques (SMART) Series

Overview

Faculty and students will introduce a research method, potentially demonstrating its application, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. This series is designed to raise awareness of research methodologies within the college and across the broader academic community. The event will welcome Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences and Arts faculty and students, along with faculty from other departments and invited guests from outside the college. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone interested in exploring different research methods and expanding their methodological knowledge.

past seminars 

spring 2025

Review and Development of Quantitative Research Questions

Wednesday, February 26th, 2025

Presenter: Drs. Michael Toland and David Dueber

This session will focus on how to create clear and effective quantitative research questions. You’ll learn how to identify the type of data you need and think about which analysis tools might work best for your study. For example, if your research
involves a quantitative outcome, such as test scores or survey ratings, we’ll discuss how you can use averages to compare different groups. By the end, you’ll better understand how to design research questions that guide your study and connect to meaningful data analysis

fall 2024

Introduction to Multilevel Modeling

Wednesday, September 25th, 2024

Presenter: Drs. Michael Toland and David Dueber

This talk offers a beginner-friendly introduction to multilevel modeling, a powerful statistical technique used to analyze data with a nested or hierarchical structure (like students within schools or teachers in schools). We will explore when and why multilevel models are useful, focusing on real-world examples to make the concepts clear.
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pf-715a93U&list=PLy2OQsZ6LQVAxEy-nSCS4ZXzkXG-2NBxp

Introduction to Multilevel Modeling with Applications

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2025

Presenter: Drs. Michael Toland and David Dueber

This talk offers a beginner-friendly introduction to multilevel modeling, a powerful statistical technique used to analyze data with a nested or hierarchical structure (like students within schools or teachers in schools). We will explore when and why multilevel models are useful, focusing on real-world examples to make the concepts clear. The talk will cover the basics of building and interpreting these models, including how they handle data at multiple levels to provide more accurate insights. No advanced statistics knowledge is required—just a basic understanding of concepts like averages and variability.
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl8NUi5RWdc&list=PLy2OQsZ6LQVAxEy-nSCS4ZXzkXG-2NBxp&index=2

Introduction to Planned Missing Data Research Designs

Wednesday, November 13th, 2024

Presenter: Drs. Michael Toland and David Dueber

This talk introduces planned missing data designs, an approach that helps researchers handle missing data in a smart and intentional way. Instead of treating missing data as a problem, planned designs use strategies to collect just enough information to answer important questions while saving time, effort, and resources. We’ll cover the basic ideas behind these designs, show how they work in practice, and explain their benefits. No advanced knowledge is needed—just a basic understanding about how data is collected. 
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ92uIb-tZ4&list=PLy2OQsZ6LQVAxEy-nSCS4ZXzkXG-2NBxp&index=3

Contact Us

Email herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu if you have questions or suggestions.

Dean's Office
University Hall
Third Floor, Room 3160
Mail Stop 906
419.530.2164
Undergraduate Admission
enroll@utoledo.edu
419.530.8888 (call)
419.329.4567 (text)
2801 W. Bancroft Street
Toledo, OH 43606
Graduate Admission
graduateonlineapplication@utoledo.edu
419.530.GRAD (4723), Option 1
Stranahan Hall, Room 1048
2801 W. Bancroft, MS 933
Toledo, OH 43606
Last Updated: 6/30/25