Research Expertise
MAP Acacademy faculty and staff specialize in applied analytics and statistical approaches for experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational and mixed method designs. We are also experts in open science best practices that support study pre-registration, data transparency and reproducibility, data sharing and registered reports.
Applied Analytics, Statistics & Modeling
Applied Analytics, Statistics & Modeling
Applied Analytics, Statistics & Modeling
We are dedicated to the development, improvement, evaluation and novel application of rigorous quantitative methods, with the goal of fostering methodologically sound research in the social, behavioral, health and educational sciences. Our team provides cutting-edge modeling and computational expertise (e.g., structural equation modeling [SEM], multilevel modeling [MLM], dyadic and longitudinal data, missing data, moderation, mediation, biostatistics).
Measurement
Measurement
Measurement
We are committed to advancing methodology related to measurement and applied psychometrics in instrument development, analysis and evaluation, including scale/test development, item response theory modeling and diagnostic assessment. Our team integrates perspectives from multiple disciplines to develop creative solutions to applied psychometric questions for researchers across various disciplines.
Research Design & Methods
Research Design & Methods
Research Design & Methods
We work as highly collaborative members of research teams to inform overall study design (e.g., experimental, quasi-experimental, observational designs), craft sampling and randomization plans, conduct power analyses to inform sample size requirements and minimally detectable effect sizes, inform data collection and management procedures, design data analysis plans and guide assessment of intervention fidelity.
Data Infrastructure & Management
Data Infrastructure & Management
Data Infrastructure & Management
We provide extensive supports to teams on needed structural services required for large-scale funded research such as database development, data management and data sharing, as well as expertise in best practices for metadata (e.g., variable naming and organization) and data curation. Our team supports open science best practices, including managing data sharing and archiving, data harmonization, and data and variable standardization for submission to data repositories in compliance with funder requirements.
Funded Projects
The MAP Academy uses a team science approach to support a diverse array of large-scale, grant-funded projects. Examples of these collaborations are highlighted below.
Explore Funded Projects
Help Me Grow Nebraska
About: Help Me Grow Nebraska addresses gaps in early childhood systems in Lincoln and Lancaster County, particularly parental support and mental health services. The research team collaborated with health care providers, state and county agencies, and other local organizations to build a more streamlined and equitable health system for Nebraska families and their children.
Funder: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Subcontract from Children's Nebraska.
MAP Academy supports: Evaluation; data collection; qualitative and quantitative analysis; data visualization
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SIT-PT
About: SIT-PT compares two physical therapy interventions for young children with or at high risk of cerebral palsy. Led by researchers at the University of Southern California, with partners at the MAP Academy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Washington and Duquesne University, the team aims to identify which intervention approach is best to promote early development and readiness to learn.
Funder: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
MAP Academy supports: Data infrastructure, management and curation; experimental research design; statistical analysis
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TransformED
About: TransformED promotes young children’s social and emotional well-being by enhancing early childhood education services, strengthening connections across systems and supporting workforce development and retention in Nebraska.
Funder: University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Office of Research and Innovation
MAP Academy supports: Evaluation; research design; data management and curation; quantitative and qualitative analyses
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WORDS
About: The WORDS (Workshops on Reading Development Strategies) Project aims to improve reading outcomes for K-3 students in Nebraska by providing schools, districts and teachers with effective, practice-based strategies to support high-quality reading instruction and assessment.
Funder: Institute of Education Sciences. Additional funding from the Nebraska Department of Education and the Swanson Biggs Adams Family Foundation.
MAP Academy supports: Research design; data management, infrastructure and curation; statistical analysis
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CHIME
About: Cultivating Healthy Intentional Mindful Educators (CHIME) is a Nebraska Extension professional development program that focuses on providing education and guidance for practicing mindful-ness and compassion-based strategies, and helps caregivers engage in reflective practice and use mindfulness with young children. Recent project work includes evaluating the use of CHIME to promote Early Head Start/Head Start professionals' well-being.
Funder: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families
MAP Academy supports: Experimental research design; data management and curation; statistical analysis
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TAPP
About: Teachers and Parents as Partners (TAPP) is a research-based, problem-solving intervention that improves student outcomes and parent-teacher partnerships in schools. School specialists receive TAPP training and use the approach to support teachers and parents as they implement plans to solve students’ behavioral and academic challenges. Recent project work includes testing the efficacy of TAPP delivered via distance technology (Tele-TAPP) in rural Appalachian elementary schools.
Funder: Institute of Education Sciences
MAP Academy supports: Experimental research design; data management and curation; statistical analysis; dissemination
Ready storyFunders
MAP Academy has received support from more than 60 internal and external funders, including state and federal agencies, prominent foundations, academic partners and other organizations. Below is a small sample of current and past funders who advance our mission.
