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…

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)

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)

In part stimulated by the information needed by the Private Industry Councils (PICs) under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Amendments (1978), a growing number of groups and agencies have conducted surveys of local employers to gather various types of occupational data. Such activities may be useful and productive, if the data collection…

Social statistics may exaggerate the degree of hardship caused by labor market problems. Yet, in many ways social statistics underestimate the degree of hardship caused by extended unemployment, underemployment, and low wages. Therefore, new measures are needed to reassess long-term and cyclical labor market developments, the changing status of…

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,…