Assignment: Data and Measurements
You start looking more closely at data and making assessments regarding its perceived level of usefulness to your own research endeavors.
For the first part of the assignment, go to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) at the link below (bookmark this page; you will be going here a lot throughout the course).
National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). Statistical standards program.
From the left-hand menu options, review the material and answer the following question.
o In your review of the NCES Statistical Standards, what evidence do you see that the data acquired is reliable and valid; that is, which standards suggest that reliability and validity are priorities?
Next, go to the IPEDS Report Your Data page from the link below.
National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). Report your data.
Answer the following questions.
o At first glance, what appears to be the primary means that IPEDS uses to collect data? What threats to reliability and validity does this technique pose?
o Would 12-month enrollment likely be a very sensitive measure of student satisfaction? Why, or why not?
o How appropriate do you think a time-series analysis of graduation rates would be within a research study? Would it be more or less appropriate than a time-series analysis of institutional characteristics? Why, or why not?
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
Textbook: O'Sullivan, E., Rassel, G. R., & Taliaferro, J. D. (2011). Practical research methods for nonprofit and public administrators. New York, NY: Routledge.