1st Edition

Using National Data Bases in Educational Research

Edited By Thomas L. Hilton Copyright 1992
    316 Pages
    by Routledge

    316 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book's purpose is to enable educational researchers to make better use of the huge longitudinal and cross-sectional data files that are now readily available. Of value to experienced researchers and undergraduates alike, the book focuses primarily on the planning and design of research rather than implementation of data base information. Its chapters address a variety of vital questions including:

    * What variables are present in each of the major national data bases?

    * What are the problems and dangers in making comparisons across data bases?

    * What factors invalidate comparisons of test scores across data bases?

    * In what ways can data from certain data bases be physically merged with data from other data bases?

    This text clearly demonstrates what can be done with large national data bases and, perhaps equally important, what cannot be done -- or done only if certain precautions are taken.

    Contents: Preface. T.L. Hilton, Introduction. T.L. Hilton, General Problems in Using Results from Two or More Data Bases. W.B. Schrader, T.L. Hilton, Pooling Questionnaire and Test Data from Three National Surveys: An Example Involving Project TALENT, the Coleman Study, and NLS. A.E. Beaton, T.L. Hilton, W.B. Schrader, Equating Test Results from Two National Surveys: A Study of the SAT Score Decline. T.L. Hilton, W.B. Schrader, A.E. Beaton, Merging Data from Three Data Bases with Common Members: An Example Involving SAT Scores, ASVAB Scores, and HS&B Data. T.L. Hilton, Pooling Results from Two National Surveys: A Study of National Trends in Spatial-Visual Ability. S.S. Swinton, Estimating Ability in the College-Bound Population from a Self-Selected Sample. S. Urahn, Aggregating Data from Two Testings of the Same Cohort: Do NAEP Means Predict Later SAT Means for the Same Cohort of Students? T.L. Hilton, Pooling Results from Two Cohorts Taking Similar Tests, Part I: Dimensions of Similarity. D.A. Rock, Pooling Results from Two Cohorts Taking Similar Tests, Part II: Factor Structure and IRT Equating. T.L. Hilton, J. Pollack, Estimating Change in Enrollments from Two National Surveys Eight Years Apart. T.L. Hilton, Merging Data from Two Data Bases Without Common Members -- A Proposal. V.E. Lee, Pooling Data from Two Longitudinal Cohorts: Some Problems and Solutions. W.W. Turnbull, Drawing Educational Implications from Multiple Data Bases. T.L. Hilton, Summary and Conclusions. Appendix: Description and Directions for Obtaining Copies of Selected National Data Bases.

    Biography

    Hilton, Thomas L.

    "...a useful record of what is going on in the USA and is of relevance to researchers in education."
    The Statistician

    "...will aid researchers in the planning and design stage of research projects as it describes what may be accomplished through the use of national longitudinal and cross-sectional data."
    Contemporary Psychology