research-design-social

What problem does it solve?

It solves the problem of turning an abstract research idea into a rigorous social science study design with clear hypotheses, defensible identification strategy, operationalized variables, and a pre-analysis plan.

Core Features & Use Cases

• Theory → Hypotheses pipeline: Converts theoretical traditions into testable, falsifiable, directional hypotheses and scope conditions.
• Identification strategy selection: Guides the choice among RCT, DiD, RDD, IV, panel fixed effects, PSM, SCM, and DML based on feasibility and assumptions.
• Causal DAG and operationalization: Helps construct causal DAGs and translate constructs into measurable variable dictionaries.
• Pre-analysis plan support: Produces a structured plan to reduce HARKing/p-hacking (with a template referenced in assets).

Quick Start

Use this skill to design a new mixed-methods social science study by providing your research question, target population, candidate theory, and what causal claim you want to make.