Empirical Research Methods for CS

Spring 2026 — COS 598D

Establishing causal claims and evaluating systems and models are at the core of modern Computer Science research. This course provides a rigorous introduction to empirical methods, combining foundational theory on causal inference with practical applications. Topics include causal diagrams, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, regression analysis, and benchmarks. Evaluation is based on weekly programming assignments, active class participation, and a final paper in which students develop and motivate a research project proposal.

---

Table of Contents

1. Basic Information
2. Schedule
3. About the course
4. Detailed Schedule
5. Acknowledgments

---

1. Basic information

• Email: manoel@cs.princeton.edu.
• Office Hours: on demand.
• Hours: Thu, 1:20 pm — 4:10 pm
• Location: TBD.

2. Schedule

TBD

3. About the course

TBD

4. Detailed Schedule

TBD

5. Acknowledgments

TBD