Previous researchers have proposed the a priori procedure, whereby the researcher specifies, prior to data collection, how closely she wishes the sample means to approach corresponding population means, and the degree of confidence of meeting the specification. However, an important limitation of previous research is that researchers sometimes are…

In mixed methods approaches, statistical models are used to identify "nested" cases for intensive, small-n investigation for a range of purposes, including notably the examination of causal mechanisms. This article shows that under a commonsense interpretation of causal effects, large-n models allow no reliable conclusions about effect…

This paper describes a course designed to introduce students to mathematical thinking and a variety of lower level mathematics topics using baseball while satisfying the goals of quantitative reasoning. We give suggestions for sources, topics, techniques, and examples so any mathematics teacher can design such a course to fit their needs. The…

In this study, we propose a MOOC Analytic Statistical Visual model (MOOC-ASV) to explore students' engagement in MOOC courses and predict their performance on the basis of their behaviors logged as big data in MOOC platforms. The model has multifunctions, which performs on visually analyzing learners' data by state-of-the-art techniques. The model…

In carrying out surveys involving sensitive characteristics, randomized response models have been considered among the best techniques since they provide the maximum privacy protection to the respondents and procure honest responses. Over the years, researchers have carried out studies on the estimation of proportions of the population possessing…

This article introduces an open-source software package--R for Qualitative Data Analysis (RQDA). RQDA is an R package for analysis of text-formatted data, which is compatible across operating platforms. It is user-friendly and seamlessly integrates with R, which makes it possible to conduct statistical analyses on qualitative coding. Alternative…

This article will address predictors of success for online students. A survey questionnaire was used to gather data concerning online students' social and educational readiness levels at a four-year private university in the Midwestern United States. Of the 4,050 potential participants, 250 (6.23%) responded to the survey. Stepwise regression…

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a statistical method widely used in educational research to investigate relationships between variables. SEM models are typically constructed based on theoretical foundations and assessed through fit indices. However, a well-fitting SEM model alone is not sufficient to verify the causal inferences underlying…

This article introduces a new framework for articulating how educational assessments can be related to teacher uses in the classroom. It articulates three levels of assessment: macro (use of standardized tests), meso (externally developed items), and micro (on-the-fly in the classroom). The first level is the usual context for educational…

Obtaining reliable and timely estimates of migration flows is critical for advancing the migration theory and guiding policy decisions, but it remains a challenge. Digital data provide granular information on time and space, but do not draw from representative samples of the population, leading to biased estimates. We propose a method for…

In an effort to advance the middle school movement, this paper examines the research trends from three organizations that support middle grades educational innovation, assessment, and research: The Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Educational Testing Service, and the Institute of Education Sciences. Using an instrumental, multiple case study…

Pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) traditionally has been used in research concerning prospective and practicing classroom teachers. This essay argues that PCK is also relevant to other professions including those advancing quantitative reasoning (QR). To illustrate, the case of PCK for teaching QR is considered. Those in fields such as public…

This study uses longitudinal census data to explore the correlates of school satisfaction among parents of 3rd and 6th grade students from the Canary Islands, a large administrative region in Spain. We use logistic regression to model parental dissatisfaction with their children's school and teachers. Our results illustrate how parents value…

Relative quantification is a popular analysis in gene expression studies using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). However, the calculation steps using the major algorithms for this analysis are rather complicated. In this study, we developed an easy-to-use spreadsheet-based method for relative quantification. The inputs from end-users are the…

The purpose of this article is to provide researchers with a framework for promoting high quality mixed methods school-based consultation research. Furthermore, this article is intended for researchers and practitioners interested in evaluating their practice. To meet these objectives, we address quality criteria for quantitative (validity) and…