Fall09 Class Links, Questions and Answers


 

From time to time I will place new class-related links here, and I will make assignments.

In the short run, I suggest that PSA students use this page for questions; and all respondents

should consider providing answers. 

 

Remember, in your readings for this class, try to identify topics you would like to see discussed

in class; also questions you would like to have answered, either here on the wiki, or in class. 

 

For those interested in missing data applications related to PSA, using R, see:

http://www.stefvanbuuren.nl/publications/MICE%20in%20R%20-%20Draft.pdf

 

For a well-written essay on the history and recent forces (circa 2002) affecting educational research see:

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/10/education/no-child-left-behind-does-it-work.html?scp=7&sq=traub%20work&st=cse&pagewanted=1

 

Assignment:

In addition to your readings, as discussed on Wednesday, I suggest that each of you prepare the following for

the next class (Tuesday, noon):

1. Go to any source that interests you (Journal or Magazine article, book, newspaper, etc.) to find two or, better,

     three examples where authors make clear inferences of causation, but where the available evidence (is it cited?)

     supports little (or nothing) more than association. That is, find examples where authors make this kind of error.

2.  Explain how selection bias might have been present in at least one of the situations you identify; and for this be

      as specific as you can.

3.  Describe what you would suggest could be done to design a study, a sample, an analysis to reduce if not eliminate

     selection bias in the context your example(s) reference. If you have questions about these, make those explicit.

Added later: If you could send in your responses on these by say 9 pm on Monday that would be most helpful. Thanks.

 

Vogel- Crime Causation