The Measurement, Evaluation, and Research Methodology (MERM) program recognizes that measurement, evaluation and research methodology is an evolving field that is trans-disciplinary by nature and is at the core of many of the research activities in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, and Special Education, the Faculty of Education, and in many of the human and health sciences in the University. As evidence for this trans-disciplinary nature, we note that our classes are often in high demand not only by the various disciplines in the Faculty of Education, including Human Kinetics, but also by students in Commerce, Health Studies, Nursing and Psychology. Furthermore, the faculty members in MERM often advise colleagues, sit on graduate student committees across the university, and provide advice to graduate students for whom we are not formal committee members.

In recognition of this trans-disciplinary feature MERM plays two important roles within the Department, Faculty, and University.

1. We develop and share our collective knowledge in: assessment, evaluation, testing, and other aspects of educational and psychological measurement. We are involved in the construction and use of standardized tests; new forms of assessment, including the development and testing of measurement methodology, program evaluation, including methods for quasi-experiments, hierarchical or multi-level models, and the analysis of growth and change, qualitative methods, and data analysis and statistical methods for research problems in psychology and education,

2. We prepare graduate students as methodological and measurement specialists. Emphasis in the MERM area is placed on advanced research as applied to educational, psychological, health, and social contexts.

An essential feature of the above roles is the generation and sharing of knowledge and information through our publications, seminars, workshops, and membership on technical advisory panels.

We strive to promote in our research, student supervision, and teaching the highest standards of measurement and research methodology practice in our discipline. This has meant that we have two shared goals: (a) providing courses for researchers, graduate students, and practitioners outside of MERM, and (b) the preparation of graduate students as methodological and measurement specialists.

Integrating research, practice, and teaching to promote the highest standards of measurement, evaluation, and research methodology