DSM Template

The RDADA DSM (data science memo) is a tactic for accomplishing learning objectives for students in the Berkeley MIDS course W201 Research Design and Applications for Data and Analysis. It is related to the RDADAR Criteria for Data Science Quality project for generating instructor and peer feedback to improve student work. The curricular goal of RDADA is to have students thoroughly vet their data science concepts and ideas in a friendly but demanding atmosphere, to give them practice responding to foreseeable criticisms, and to compel them to see themselves as entrepreneurs who need to attract support for their projects and initiatives.

Practically, we hope students leave RDADA with a draft of a project proposal that they can take with them to subsequent classes in the MIDS curriculum. This proposal may serve as an actual submission with adaptation for the original idea it represented, or as a template for the efficient development of new ideas. To facilitate the writing process, the RDADA DSM may be used as a linear essay outline that reflects both standard social science argumentation conventions and that includes aspects of three-act storytelling structure. For arguments sequenced differently or highlighting only portions of the content, the DSM may serve as a checklist of features about which audiences may ask questions.

Because we expect students to bring their proposals to other faculty in the MIDS program, and possibly to stakeholders outside of the program, we welcome feedback from MIDS faculty and students about how the RDADA DSM fits or does not fit with their own expectations for student work and project deliverables. For faculty, would a project proposal formatted along these dimensions be compelling or useful in your course? For students, does answering these question help you express your data science ideas and ambitions? What changes could the RDADA team make to support your instructional and learning objectives?

Specifically, we welcome your suggestions for changing, deleting, or adding to the list of criteria presented below.