The appropriateness of using statistical data to inform the design of any given service development or initiative often depends upon judgements regarding scale. Large-scale data sets, perhaps national in scope, whilst potentially important in informing the design, implementation and roll-out of experimental initiatives, will often remain unused…

Maxwell, Cole, and Mitchell (2011) demonstrated that simple structural equation models, when used with cross-sectional data, generally produce biased estimates of meditated effects. I extend those results by showing how simple structural equation models can produce biased estimates of meditated effects when used even with longitudinal data. Even…

The purpose of this article is to exemplify and enhance the place of modelling as a qualitative process in educational research. Modelling is widely used in quantitative research as a tool for analysis, theory building and prediction. Statistical data lend themselves to graphical representation of values, interrelationships and operational…

The paper suggests priorities for the federal government's elementary and secondary education data collection efforts. Sections on outputs, inputs, and private schools describe what data is needed, what is already available, and what is recommended for data collection. Recommendations include a high priority for federal funding for the National…

Sternberg (1981) presented correlations based on independent samples of about 25 cases each with a statistical comparison in a population parameter of zero and interpreted his results as if with appropriate tests. He needed to use a nonzero population parameter and compare for the difference between the z transformations. (Author/CM)

Sternberg's reply to paper Humphrey criticizes (see TM 507 045) includes: (1) invited position paper and detailed statistical testing would have been inappropriate; (2) Humphrey commits some of "misdeeds" of which he accuses Sternberg; (3) number of cases in the three nonentrenchment experiments are more than adequate for drawing conclusions; and…

Education statistics are rarely neutral; those who collect and analyze them have different purposes. In this article, Bracey discusses several principles of data interpretation to help educators avoid falling into statistical traps. For example, because such reports as A Nation At Risk contain many "selected, spun, distorted, and even manufactured…

This document reviews "The Collected Works of George E. P. Box," edited by G. C. Tiao. The two-volume collection is divided into five parts. Each part is prefaced with an introduction by a statistical researcher giving his view of the motivation and highlights of the papers presented. The 16 papers in Part 1 on statistical inference,…

This study examines and describes current statistical programs in the field of library and information science, identifies areas of the National Commission's program that are dependent on quantitative data, compares the current statistical programs with projected new needs, and specifies areas that must be developed in a future national…

This document presents 46 graphs with brief explanatory narratives that analyze trends in the California higher education sector and its environment. The trends examined include: undergraduate and graduate enrollment, student migration in and out of California's higher education sector, college-going rates of California's high school graduates,…

Methods for selecting relevant and appropriate quasi-experimental studies for inclusion in research synthesis using the threats-to-validity approach are presented. Effects of including and excluding studies are evaluated. (BS)

Describes the Marquette University Interlibrary Loan Log, which is an online log of borrowing and lending requests. Applications of the interlibrary loan data for statistical reporting, management decision making, collection development, online enhancement, and copyright monitoring are discussed. (3 references) (CLB)

Discusses the collection by library managers of demand and use data from their own libraries on a regular basis as a means of answering management questions pertaining to the "cost" of information, staff productivity, and levels of service. Examples of statistical records and recommendations for collecting data are presented. (Author/JL)

During the spring of 1980, 59,000 students from over 1,000 public and private high schools were surveyed to obtain base-year data for a projected longitudinal study entitled "High School and Beyond." Intended to provide background information for making policy decisions, the study focused on four specific policy concerns: discipline,…

Examines the importance of defining terms in the process of gathering statistical data. Cites the example of the debate over the number of children abducted by strangers. Concludes that statistics are part of the persuasive rhetoric of social problem promotion and have social consequences. (FMW)