The CESS Experimental Methods Winter School took place this past month from the 16th to 27th of July at the University of Santiago. For ten days, 25 participants from Mexico, Perú, Ecuador and Colombia were introduced to experimental methods in social sciences. Participants came from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, including masters and PhD students, university associated teachers, and public employees.
Students participated in daily modules taught by CESS Research Fellows and lecturers from the University of Santiago, Federico Santa María Technical University, Mexico Institute of Technology, and University of Pavia. Each day of the program was structured around an aspect of experimental methods including causal inference, experimental design, and data analysis. Students also gained practical experience through sessions on lab, online and field experiments. Modules also focused on skills in data analysis and programming software, introducing students to methods and tools such as Qualtrics, R and oTree for analysis. On the final day of the program, students presented their research and experimental work.
Outside of courses, participants had opportunities to socialize, discuss, and share experiences during daily lunch outings as well as welcome receptions and drinks. One of the highlights was a group dinner at Bar Liguria, an iconic restaurant in Santiago, serving traditional and classic dishes.
Over the course of the program, students enjoyed engaging and challenging lectures, lab work, and other activities, leaving with enriched skills in designing and executing experimental social science research.
