We critically examine central questions such as: What makes randomization such a powerful tool? Which assumptions underlie randomized designs, and what hidden pitfalls might undermine them? Is randomization
always the optimal empirical strategy? How can researchers design effective randomized experiments, and when does clustering complicate the process?
Beyond methodological debates, the course delves into implementation challenges frequently encountered in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including issues of attrition, treatment fidelity, and participant compliance. We discuss strategies for minimizing attrition, enhancing adherence, and ensuring high-quality implementation. Particular attention is given to the growing use of RCTs in policy design and evaluation, and the practical considerations this entails.
Participants will apply these methods to their own projects, developing and presenting a research design. Peer and instructor feedback will guide refinement, and assessment will be based on a final paper where students either advance their own research project or conduct a critical analysis of an existing, relevant RCT.
Students should be able to
• Understand causal modeling
• Understand relationship of randomization to causal modeling
• Gain the statistical tools to analyze randomized experiments
• Become aware of underlying assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of experimental approaches
• Become acquainted with key players in the development and implementation of randomized experiments
• Gain the statistical tools to design randomized experiments
• Understand other key issues in design and implementation of random experiments.
Lecturer
Associate Professor Simone Haeckl (University of Stavanger)
Date
27.10. 16:00 – 17:00 online preparation meeting
10.11. 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 16:00
11.11. 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 16:00
12.11. 09:00 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 15:30 (Seminar) & 15:45 – 16:45 (Seminar)
13.11. 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 16:00
14.11. 09:00 – 12:00
Course outline
Over the course of five intensive days, participants will engage through lectures, lab sessions, and interactive seminars. Lectures will emphasize the theoretical underpinnings and showcase advanced examples of RCTs. Lab sessions will provide hands-on training in software tools for power calculations and design considerations. Seminars will feature guest researchers presenting large-scale RCTs, offering real-world insights.
Requirements for passing the course:
- Full participation during the whole course is required.
- Active participation in discussions throughout the course
- Term paper requirement
All parts have to be passed.
Venue
To be announced
Registration
Please register by sending an email to susanne.buechner@uni-jena.de by October 15, 2025 (first come, first served).