About Us

The Empirical Reasoning Center (ERC) helps faculty, students, staff and alumnae to engage critically with data, both qualitative and quantitative. At our offices and lab on the first floor of the Milstein Center, ERC staff provides empirical research support and technology training at all levels -- from introductory to advanced -- in statistical, textual and spatial analysis, and data visualization methods. Our services include dedicated course workshops, stand-alone short courses, and a drop-in help desk, as well as programming (e.g., forums, panel discussions) on current, vital issues.

Purpose

Empirical reasoning uses careful logic, organized observation, and relevant measures to answer questions ranging from “What are Harlem residents’ views of a local non-profit?” to “How has the distribution of people in city and rural areas changed over the past 50 years?” The Empirical Reasoning Center’s (ERC) purpose is to help faculty and students generate data-rich analyses and conclusions that are methodologically sound and derived from ethically appropriate, reliable sources. The ERC enables faculty across the disciplines to develop new courses, modules and materials that embed empirical reasoning and critical inquiry into the liberal arts curriculum. The ERC offers consultation for both students and faculty, course-integrated instruction and stand-alone workshops on empirical reasoning and data-related topics ranging from Excel, to survey creation, to geographic information systems (GIS).

What is Empirical Reasoning?

By empirical reasoning we simply mean “thinking critically and systematically with data,” both qualitative and quantitative. At the most basic level, it embraces the capacity to comprehend and evaluate varied kinds of empirical arguments and evidence, and also to write precisely and cogently with data. Empirical reasoning also encompasses the successive steps in developing and carrying out an independent research project, including the formulation of an empirical question; collection or production of relevant data; specification and implementation of the appropriate methods of analysis; and interpretation and presentation of the results.

Vision/Pedagogy

An environment reflecting principles of radical welcoming
Emphasizing critical thinking with data and incorporating that into all trainings
Peer to Peer Learning
Empowering Students
Commitment to teaching open source software

The Empirical Reasoning Center is an initiative started by a generous grant from the Mellon Foundation designed to provide infrastructural support for empirical reasoning across the curriculum.