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 trend towards using screening programs to facilitate early identification of developmental or learning problems has accentuated the need to establish reliable and valid screening procedures. Researchers in this area must recognize that the dichotomous decision-making function of screening (i.e., to refer or not refer a child for further…

The relationship of policy and decision making to statistical data and analyses is discussed. The optimal relationship, in which statistics play a key role in funding allocation and other policy decisions, rarely holds. Most surveys by statistical agencies are on a large scale, with a broad focus, resulting in databases which are difficult to…

This article was based on a research study funded by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health.

Factors underlying individual demand for higher education are assessed using data from Greece. A set of family, personal, geographical, and school characteristics are related by multivariate analysis to a student's decision regarding further education and to his choice of institution. Empirical estimates of the strength of factors affecting…

This publication provides macro-indicators and complementary analyses and supporting data for use by policy and decision makers concerned with Ontario universities. These analytical tools are meant to unambiguously measure what is taking place in Canadian postsecondary education, and therefore, assist in focusing on what decisions need to be made.…

This learning unit on easy statistics is one in the Choice Series, a self-learning development program for supervisors. Purpose stated for the approximately eight-hour-long unit is to enable the supervisor to use statistics to improve his/her decision-making ability, interpret statistics and form judgments on the interpretations other people make,…

Project MAP (Model Accounting Plan) is designed to test a demographic system for monitoring the within-school and post-school transitions of special education participants. Implemented at the local level, this system produces data to inform school-level decision-making. In addition, the data that are produced can be aggregated for use at higher…

The study presents the results of testing an original obersvation instrument designed to identify a power elite in multiple sessions of two eight-member adult discussion groups. Two questions guided the development of the study: (1) Can a power elite be identified in participation training groups? (2) Can an effective observation instrument with…

Information reporting at traditionally black colleges and universities was reviewed, based on the Higher Education General Information Survey (HEGIS) files for 36 institutions. The objective was to determine the quality of the data submitted by seven of these institutions, and to suggest actions for improving the quality of the HEGIS information…

In January 1998-March 2000, a new statistical assessment and referral system to improve the job retention of welfare recipients participating in welfare-to-work programs was piloted in the welfare-to-work program serving two counties in southwestern Michigan. The assessment and referral system is based on statistical methods and uses…

Focusing on the formation of career plans among black and white females, a study was conducted using the theoretical and empirical framework provided by a modified version of the "Wisconsin Model" of status attainment. Data collection was designed to obtain information including parental socioeconomic status, mental ability, academic…

Decision makers have always relied on a mixture of qualitative and quantitative information. Recently, two technological tools--spreadsheets and the Internet--have dramatically altered how decision makers analyze quantitative information, thus necessitating curriculum changes in programs to prepare students to use these tools effectively. Harvard…