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. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/statprog/

From the left-hand menu options, review the material and answer the following question.

1. 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. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/report-your-data

Click on the Answer Current Survey link. Answer the following questions. 

1. 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? 
2. Would 12-month enrollment likely be a very sensitive measure of student satisfaction? Why, or why not? 
3. 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? 

Your scholarly activity must be at least two pages in length, not counting title and reference pages. You are not required to include an introduction or conclusion. You may number your paper and answer each question. Please use at least the textbook and the required website in the development of your assignment. APA formatting applies.

Textbook:

O’Sullivan, E., Rassel, G. R., & Taliaferro, J. D. (2011). Practical research methods for nonprofit and public administrators. Routledge.