Lesa Hoffman, a new professor in the UI College of Education Educational Measurement and Statistics program, wants to bring quantitative methods to more people.

Hoffman received her Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Cognitive and Quantitative Psychology from the University of Kansas in 2000 and 2003, respectively. She was formerly an associate professor of quantitative methods and associate scientist and director of quantitative development at the University of Kansas. Hoffman joined the University of Iowa College of Education in spring 2019. 

“I’m looking forward to bringing quantitative methods to more people in the University of Iowa College of Education. I’d like for more people to see the utility in what we do,” says Hoffman.

Hoffman’s research seeks to examine how developments in quantitative methodology can best be utilized to advance empirical work in the social sciences. She focuses on the way quantitative models are used in practices and translates theoretical developments to audiences who may not be able to read academic papers.

“I want my students to not be afraid. A lot of people view statistics as math. To me, it’s more about logic, reasoning, and working memory,” says Hoffman. “I want my students to have the confidence to be able to use these methods and not fear the math.”