MIT 15.S16

In this course, we will explore the current state of the social and behavioral sciences and the various crises that are threatening their credibility and utility. These crises include the replication crisis, the generalizability crisis, and the practicality crisis, as well as issues related to commensurability, synthesis, and coherency. We will examine the root causes of these crises, including factors such as reliance on null hypothesis testing, researcher degrees of freedom, and perverse incentives. Next, we will turn to potential solutions, proposed reforms, and opportunities for innovation. We will discuss open scholarship practices, integrative modeling and experimentation, and pragmatic methodology, as well as mass collaboration, pre-registration, and registered reports. We will also consider approaches such as solution-oriented social science and focusing on practical predictive utility, as well as the importance of taking descriptive research seriously.

Syllabus: TBD (email me!)

MIT 15.S15

The recent availability of massive digital traces on human behavior and the ubiquity of computational approaches have both extended and changed classical social science inquiry. The goal of this course is to introduce students to new computational social science methods and to use those techniques to explore classic investigations or pose novel questions. We will review fundamental research designs and focus on how new data sources and computational opportunities can enhance them.

Syllabus: F2021

MIT 15.572

Action Learning Seminar on Analytics and Machine Learning

Student teams design and deliver a project based on the use of analytics, machine learning, large data sets, or other digital innovations to create or transform a business or other organization. Teams may be paired up with an organization or propose their own ideas and sites for the project. Culminates with presentation of results to an audience that includes IT experts, entrepreneurs, and executives.

Syllabus: F2022

MIT 15.561

Information Technology Essentials

Emphasizes programming in scripting languages (e.g., Python, SQL) within the context of emerging trends underlying current and future uses of information technology in business. Provides a solid grasp of programming basics and foundations of computing. Other topics include web technologies, database systems, digital experimentation, crowdsourcing, and machine learning.