July 7, 2026
Dr. Mark A. McKnight, Professor of Accounting, recently delivered an invited masterclass for the European Scientific Institute's (ESI) Postdoctoral Program in Social Sciences and Humanities titled "The Social Life of Numbers: Experimental and Applied Research in the Social Sciences—Studying Perceptions, Behavior, and Policy Impact."
The presentation explored how quantitative findings are shaped by human interpretation, social context, political identity, organizational pressures and behavioral responses. Drawing upon his interdisciplinary research in accounting, taxation, fraud, ethics and decision-making, McKnight demonstrated how experimental and applied research methods can help scholars better understand the relationship between numerical data and human behavior.
Hosted by ESI, the masterclass attracted postdoctoral scholars and researchers from numerous countries, including Bangladesh, India, Azerbaijan, Albania, Palestine, Georgia, Romania, Kosovo and others. Participants engaged in a discussion on research methodology, interdisciplinary collaboration, artificial intelligence and emerging opportunities in social science research.
Learn more about McKnight's session