Legal Applications of Data for Institutional Research: New Directions for Institutional Research, Number 138 (J-B IR Single Issue Institutional Research)

This volume explores the seemingly incongruent forces of statistical reasoning and the law and sheds some light on how institutional reaseachers can use the two in a complementary manner to prevent a legal action or to help support the rebuttal of a prima facie case (i.e., one that at first glance presents sufficient evidence for the plaintiff to win the case).

Until now, there has been little linkage between the disciplines of law and statistics. While the legal profession uses statistics to support an argument, interpretations of statistical outcomes may not follow scientific reasoning. Similarly, a great piece of statistical theory or a tried-and-true methodology among institutional research professionals may be thrown out of court if it fails to meet the rules of evidence or contradicts current legal standing. Chapters in this volume exploring this topic from a number of perspectives, including:

1. The Art of Combining Statistics with the Law
2. The Use of Data in Affirmative Action Litigation
3. Statistical Evidence and Compliance with Title IX
4. Organization and Maintenance of Data in Employment Discrimination Litigation
5. Analyzing Personnel Selection Decisions in Employment Discrimination Litigation Settings
6. Regression Analysis: Legal Applications in Institutional Research

The information contained within this volume will benefit institutional research practitioners and contribute to a more frequent dialogue concerning the complexities of statistical science within the legal environment.

This is the 138th volume of the Jossey-Bass quarterly report series New Directions for Institutional Research. Always timely and comprehensive, New Directions for Institutional Research provides planners and administrators in all types of academic institutions with guidelines in such areas as resource coordination, information analysis, program evaluation, and institutional management.

ANDREW L. LUNA is director of institutional research, planning, and assessment at the University of North Alabama.