A rapidly growing number of algorithms are available to researchers who apply statistical or machine learning methods to answer social science research questions. The unique advantages and limitations of each algorithm are relatively well known, but it is not possible to know in advance which algorithm is best suited for the particular research…

According to the 2001 Census, there has been a substantial increase in the numbers of Welsh speakers aged 5-15 years, especially in south-east Wales. It is generally accepted that this increase can be largely attributed to the success of Welsh-medium education. Indeed, Welsh-medium education has long been seen as an effective language planning…

Aggregated attainment data for each of the four Key Stages of the National Curriculum during 2006-07 are used to compare the performance of schools having differing proportions of ethnic minority pupils on roll. The data are for all maintained primary and secondary schools that completed the 2007 Annual Schools' Census. There are noticeable…

This brief will discuss patterns of science and engineering educational attainment within the foreign-born population living in the United States, using data from the 2010 American Community Survey (ACS). The analysis is restricted to the population aged 25 and older, and the results are presented on science and engineering degree attainment by…

This report provides a portrait of educational attainment in the United States based on data collected in the 2009 American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2005-2009 ACS 5-year estimates. It also uses data from the Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) to the Current Population Survey (CPS) collected in 2009 and earlier, as well as monthly…

The 2012 edition of the "Digest of Education Statistics" is the 48th in a series of publications initiated in 1962. The "Digest" has been issued annually except for combined editions for the years 1977-78, 1983-84, and 1985-86. Its primary purpose is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field…

The 2011 edition of the "Digest of Education Statistics" is the 47th in a series of publications initiated in 1962. The "Digest" has been issued annually except for combined editions for the years 1977-78, 1983-84, and 1985-86. Its primary purpose is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field…

Considers state population counts, congressional apportionment, and how much deviation from "one man, one vote" can be tolerated in census counting. Also presents and discusses the results of an exercise using the methods of Equal Proportions and Major Fractions as applied to apportionment population data for the U.S. states for 1990 and…

Discusses the pros and cons of sampling to improve the census versus the traditional methods of census taking, and the problems that changes in procedure can create. Also discusses chronic problems in census taking, regardless of procedural methods used, and observations on how to lessen their impact. (GR)

Changes initiated by the United States Bureau of the Census to data collection on family relationships in the decennial census of the population, the Current Population Survey, and the Survey of Income and Program Participation are reviewed. In the last 5 years, innovations have centered on developing new approaches to identifying the array of…

Large-scale databases are an underutilized source of data for secondary analysis by researchers. Major government and private databases available to the public, the types of agencies developing them, and how to obtain and utilize them are described. A catalogue of 20 databases, their characteristics and sources is included. (BS)

Counters the popular misconception that poverty is linked to adolescent values that result in pregnancy and irresponsibility. Suggests the following research agenda: (1) reinterpretation of census data; (2) a focus on individual decision-making and systemic forces; (3) dissemination of data; and (4) investigation of father's role. (FMW)

The importance of the U.S. Census as a monitor of social change in the past decade and harbinger of social change in the future is reviewed. Throughout the history of the U.S., the census has provided both the data that drive the economy and the numbers for equitably apportioning political power. The census reflects the fact that changes in…

This report discusses the capabilities of a computer program called the Detroit Metropolitan Area Data System (DMADS) which was developed to make it possible to manipulate and analyze data from the U.S. census. At the present time the DMADS can be used to generate statistical data and maps of the seven county Detroit area. DMADS contains 2500…

This report presents findings on children's living arrangements as taken from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). The SIPP is unique in that it records how each person is related to everyone else in the household. Detailed information on parent-child relationships is provided, allowing identification of biological, step, foster,…