Homework: Data and Measurements
In this unit, 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), scroll to the bottom of the screen, and click "NCES Statistical Standards."
National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). Home page.
Answer the following question.
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 back to the IPEDS page, and click on the Report Your Data area and then on the Answer Current Survey area. Answer the following questions.
i. 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?
ii. Would 12-month enrollment likely be a very sensitive measure of student satisfaction? Why, or why not?
iii. 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 homework according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.