Data Literacy Capstone – Evaluating Research (Coursera)

Data Literacy Capstone – Evaluating Research (Coursera)

This is the final course in the Data Literacy Specialization. In this capstone course, you'll apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired in the specialization to the critical evaluation of an original quantitative analysis. The project will first require you to identify and read a piece of high-quality, original, quantitative research on a topic of your choosing. You’ll then interpret and evaluate the findings as well as the methodological approach. As part of the project, you’ll also review other students’ submissions. By the end of the project, you should be empowered to be a critical consumer and user of quantitative research.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Course 5 of 5 in the Data Literacy Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Capstone Project Overview
Welcome to the Capstone Course for the Data Literacy Specialization! The capstone project will allow you to apply the knowledge and skills you've acquired throughout the specialization to the evaluation of a published piece of scholarly work. In this first module, I'll present an overview of the project's purpose and components.

WEEK 2
Locating Quality Scholarship
In this module, I'll present information that will help you identify an article or report that you'll evaluate for the capstone project. We'll explore sources that frequently publish high-quality, original, quantitative research. We'll also discuss the difference between primary and secondary research.

WEEK 3
Final Paper Submission
Welcome to the final module in the Data Literacy Specialization. In this module, you'll complete and submit your capstone project via the peer review system. You'll also review three submissions from other students in the specialization. I hope this specialization has given you a set of tools and skills that empower you to be a critical consumer and user of quantitative research.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Comparative Research Designs and Methods (Coursera) Coursera
University of Naples Federico II

Comparative Research Designs and Methods (Coursera)

Emile Durkheim, one of the founders of modern empirical social science, once stated that the comparative method is the only one that suits the social sciences. But Descartes already had reminded us that “comparaison n’est pas raison”, which means that comparison is not reason (or theory) by itself. This course provides an introduction and overview of systematic comparative analyses in the social sciences and shows how to employ this method for constructive explanation and theory building.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Understanding Research Methods (Coursera) Coursera
University of London,SOAS University of London

Understanding Research Methods (Coursera)

This MOOC is about demystifying research and research methods. It will outline the fundamentals of doing research, aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at the postgraduate level. It places the student experience at the centre of our endeavours by engaging learners in a range of robust and challenging discussions and exercises befitting SOAS, University of London's status as a research-intensive university and its rich research heritage.

Oct 19th 2026
4 Weeks
Design Research para Estratégia e Inovação (Coursera) Coursera
FIA Business School

Design Research para Estratégia e Inovação (Coursera)

Nossas boas-vindas ao Curso Design Research para Estratégia e Inovação.Neste curso, você aprenderá sobre os principais elementos da Design Research (DR) aplicada à geração de inovação e estratégia. Tal método é fundamental para a criação de produtos, serviços e sistemas que atendam às necessidades humanas. No entanto, apesar de sua utilidade, a DR é amplamente negligenciada por muitas instituições e executivos. A DR, em essência, orienta as equipes para descobrir insights e desenvolver experiências de usuário que gerem valor.

Oct 19th 2026
4 Weeks
Quantitative Methods (Coursera) Coursera
University of Amsterdam

Quantitative Methods (Coursera)

Discover the principles of solid scientific methods in the behavioral and social sciences. Join us and learn to separate sloppy science from solid research! This course will cover the fundamental principles of science, some history and philosophy of science, research designs, measurement, sampling and ethics. The course is comparable to a university level introductory course on quantitative research methods in the social sciences, but has a strong focus on research integrity. We will use examples from sociology, political sciences, educational sciences, communication sciences and psychology.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Economie du sol et de l'immobilier II (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Economie du sol et de l'immobilier II (Coursera)

Quels sont les liens entre les prix fonciers, les prix immobiliers et les prix pour l'usage des immeubles? Est-ce que les prix immobiliers permettent de comprendre les prix fonciers? Ou l'inverse? Quels sont les calculs faits par les opérateurs sur ces marchés? On a le sentiment que ces marchés sont liés les uns aux autres. Avec ce cours, vous comprendrez mieux comment. En passant, vous aurez acquis une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes économiques qui peut être utile dans d'autres domaines.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
After the Arab Spring – Democratic Aspirations and State Failure (Coursera) Coursera
University of Copenhagen

After the Arab Spring – Democratic Aspirations and State Failure (Coursera)

Learn why the hope and excitement of the Arab Spring is gone, why so many Arab states are falling apart, why the youth are so frustrated, why there are so many refugees, and what can be done about it. The so-called Arab Spring appeared to end decades of exceptionalism and bring the Arab world back into the mainstream of global developments. The rebellions promised the return of politics and the reassertion of popular sovereignty against their corrupt and geriatric leaders. Much hope and flowery language greeted the young men and women who deposed their leaders and tried to build new, better societies.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Uncertainty and Research (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

Uncertainty and Research (Coursera)

This course teaches the fundamentals of scientific research. We approach the research process as a means of systematically reducing uncertainty and demonstrate how conducting a scientific investigation can be posed as an exercise in Bayesian uncertainty quantification. We begin by exploring the scientific landscape to understand the different types of research, where they are conducted, how they are supported, and why each of these types of research is important.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Research for Impact (Coursera) Coursera
University of Cape Town,Oxfam International

Research for Impact (Coursera)

In this course, you will learn more about the Research for Impact approach - a set of principles and practices that will help you to make your research more impactful. Traditionally, the goals and outcomes of research projects were to contribute knowledge and communicate this knowledge through academic publications and journal articles. But If we truly want our research to have an impact, we need to do research differently. Research that influences change in policy, practice, behaviour and attitudes.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Qualitative Research Methods (Coursera) Coursera
University of Amsterdam

Qualitative Research Methods (Coursera)

In this course you will be introduced to the basic ideas behind the qualitative research in social science. You will learn about data collection, description, analysis and interpretation in qualitative research. Qualitative research often involves an iterative process. We will focus on the ingredients required for this process: data collection and analysis.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Media ethics & governance (Coursera) Coursera
University of Amsterdam

Media ethics & governance (Coursera)

This course explores some of the basic theories, models and concepts in the field of media ethics. We will introduce influential ethical theories and perspectives, explore changing societal demands and expectations of media creation and media use, and we will elaborate on existing ethical norms for media professionals. After following this course, you will be able to reflect on ethical dilemmas and develop a well-substantiated argumentation for ethical decision making in a variety of media-related contexts.

Oct 19th 2026
4 Weeks