The preparation and use of data needed to make objective, useful comparisons in higher education are considered. The needs for comparative data in higher education, including demands for accountability and strategic planning, are reviewed. In addition, data-related problems are considered: problems of narrowness, misrepresentation, sameness,…

Missions of medical schools include teaching, research, and patient care, but these missions can vary greatly in importance between schools. Schools may also pursue more specific goals in addition to the traditional ones. Additional goals may include production of primary care physicians, recruitment of underrepresented minorities into the medical…