Background: Data missingness can bias interpretation and outcomes resulting from data use. We describe data missingness in the longest-standing US-based youth fitness surveillance system (2006/07-2019/20). Methods: This observational study uses the New York City FITNESSGRAM (NYCFG) database from 1,983,629 unique 4th-12th grade students (9,147,873…

We present a micro-analysis of youth interactions with large complex, socioeconomic datasets and data visualization tools. Middle and high school youth used georeferenced data and data visualization tools to assemble models that present their family migration histories in relation to larger socioeconomic trends in a summer program. Using…

Engaging students in active learning can enhance their understanding and appreciation of a subject such as statistics. Classroom activities and projects help to engage students and further promote the learning process. In this paper, an activity investigating the influence of population size and wealth on the medal counts from the 2012 London…

Extension professionals often assess community needs to determine programs and target audiences. Data can be collected through surveys, focus group and individual interviews, meta-analysis, systematic observation, and other methods. Knowledge gaps are identified, and programs are designed to resolve the deficiencies. However, do Extension…

This study reports findings from an analysis of employment allegations and resolutions maintained in the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) database. Spanning the years 1992 to 2005, the data were aggregated for individuals with psychiatric disabilities and individuals with a variety of physical, sensory, and neurological…

This study examines factors affecting students' performances in an Introductory Sociology course over five semesters. Employing simple and ordered logit regression models, the author explains final grades by focusing on individual demographic and educational characteristics that students bring into the classroom. The results show that a student's…

Describes a four-week rotation at the State University of New York Health Science Center in Brooklyn in which medical residents are taught community health assessment using a problem-based format. They use demographic and health data to create rates they believe will help to illuminate the health status and health issues of their assigned…

The Education Commission of the States conducted interviews in six school districts in five different states (California, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, and Texas) to understand how districts can use data most effectively. These districts had used data to dramatically improve student achievement. Districts that make wise use of data have strong…

This paper focuses on model interpretation issues and employs a geometric approach to compare the potential value of using the Grade of Membership (GoM) model in representing population heterogeneity. We consider population heterogeneity manifolds generated by letting subject specific parameters vary over their natural range, while keeping other…

Analyzes the self-report questions on language and ethnicity used in population censuses. Attempts to show the methodological consequences of specific question phrasings for the measurement of language maintenance and shift and of ethnic group maintenance and assimilation. Supports the analysis with examples from U.S. and Canadian censuses. (SED)

Describes a lesson that connects geography and mathematics in which students develop an understanding of large numbers. Students listen to a story about the number one million, cut and paste faces on tagboard to estimate one million, and use blocks to represent the population of each state in the United States. (CMK)

Reviews how census data are used every day to make decisions in businesses, government agencies, and community organizations. Identifies key tools used in demographic analysis, suggesting applications of demographic data at a local level. Concludes with ideas for student activities, including guidelines for creating a community profile. (LS)

Discusses the implications of changing demographics on college campuses. Describes errors that may arise in statistical interpretations regarding womens' advancement in higher education. Urges minority groups to assume postures of collaboration rather that competition and stresses the importance of providing educational access to all who seek…

Argues that using census data allows students to practice doing history, and points out the growing importance of quantitative social history as a rationale for including more census data in history courses. Describes information to be found in various census products, suggesting ways history teachers might use census data in the classroom. (LS)

Shows how census data illustrated in pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, and a map can be used in teaching students to read and interpret large amounts of information about the community, state, and country. Provides examples from "An Advance Look at the 1990 Census" (World Eagle) and suggests activities and discussion questions. (LS)