Education
Ph.D. Quantitative, Qualitative, and Psychometric Methods, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
M.A. Quantitative, Qualitative, and Psychometric Methods, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
B.A. Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos
Biography
Dr. Weldon Zane Smith was born and raised in the Texas Hill Country. He obtained a B.A. in Psychology at Texas State University in San Marcos before moving to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to join the Quantitative, Qualitative, and Psychometric Methods program for both his M.A. and Ph.D., additionally picking up a minor in the Survey Research and Methodology Program. During his time in Nebraska, Dr. Smith provided both statistical and psychometric consulting services. His main research interests include item response theory and structural equation modeling, with a focus on measurement and scaling issues. Dr. Smith also has a great range of statistical skills including the analysis of large-scale assessments, equating and linking, program evaluation, and performing Monte Carlo simulations. During his free time, Dr. Smith enjoys programming, tinkering with vintage electronics, and exploring the history of his small hometown of Blanco, Texas.
Representative Courses Taught
- PSY 300 Psychological Research and Statistical Methods and Lab I
- PSY 301 Psychological Research and Statistical Methods and Lab II
- PSY 490 Topics in Psychology: Navigating Careers in Psychology
- PSY 494 Independent Research in Psychology
Scholarship
Keywords
Psychometrics, Item Response Theory, Structural Equation Modeling, Equating, Linking, Scaling, Large-Scale Assessment, Survey Research and Methodology