A one-week intensive lab on methods, measurement, and design in psychological, social, behavioral, clinical and human science

This Winter School is designed for those who aim to develop a research practice that is methodologically rigorous, statistically sound, and grounded in contemporary scientific standards.

Targeting PhD students, post-docs, and early-career researchers in psychology, behavioral, clinical and social sciences, the program offers hands-on, high-level training in:

• Psychometrics and measurement models (e.g., factor analysis, reliability testing)
• Advanced data analysis and model-based reasoning
• Computational and experimental methods (VR, ESM, AI tools)
• Psychophysiology and biosensing techniques
• Study design logic: from hypothesis formulation to methodological alignment and analytic strategy

This is not a typical lecture-based course: it is an intensive setting focused on your real research project, with direct mentoring and methodological development.

🎯 Learning objectives

• Build a coherent and replicable research workflow
• Gain proficiency in psychometric modeling and advanced statistical techniques
• Learn to design and evaluate studies using VR, ESM, and physiological data
• Understand the strengths and limitations of various methodological tools
• Develop a critical, reflective approach to measurement and study design decisions

🛠 Tools and topics

• Measurement and scale development: reliability, dimensionality, construct validity
• Data analysis: multivariate techniques, structural models, network analysis
• Software: R, JASP, Mplus, Jamovi, tools for physiological data (e.g., GSR, HRV, EEG)
• Immersive methods: 360° video, computer-generated VR, eye-tracking, synchronizing biometric and behavioral data
• Experience Sampling Method (ESM) for ecological, real-time data
• Psychophysiological research design: from signal collection to interpretation

🧠 How we work

• Core methodological sessions (theoretical + applied)
• Small-group workshops and lab sessions
• One-on-one mentoring on your own research project
• Collaborative design reviews and critical discussions
• Access to experimental equipment (VR devices, biometric sensors, mobile ESM platforms)

📍 Location: Armeno (Lake Orta, Piedmont)

The school takes place in Armeno, a quiet village above Lake Orta, nestled in the hills of northern Italy. This secluded natural setting offers an ideal environment for deep focus, critical discussion, and methodological reflection — away from distractions, in close contact with peers and instructors.

✏ Application and details

• Limited to max. 20 participants
• Open to international applicants
• Working language: English
• Submission of a brief abstract of your research project is required
• Applications evaluated on motivation and project coherence

👉 Apply now till 7th Jan, and join a new generation of methodologically grounded researchers

Tre giorni per rimettere al centro le domande di ricerca e costruire un metodo chiaro, coerente e replicabile — tra misura, disegno degli studi e ragionamento basato su modelli.