Pre-Forum Workshops
The Pre-Forum workshops are half- and full-day intensive learning opportunities
that teach skills and techniques to improve the way you work. Seating for these Saturday
and Sunday sessions is limited and advance registration is required.
To register for a Pre-Forum Workshop please add the corresponding workshop to your Forum registration. If you have already registered for the Forum, you can add a workshop to your existing registration.
Topics include IR/assessment skills, IR tools, statistics, and technology.
Several Pre-Forum Workshops are sold out. Waitlists are available for workshops that have reached capacity. To be added to the waitlist, click on the Workshop waitlist link in the Forum registration system. Attendee names will be placed on the waitlist in the order that registration
requests are received. If space becomes available, AIR will contact the attendee to arrange for registration and payment, if applicable. AIR will not collect any fees associated with a waitlisted
Workshop until an attendee confirms participation.
View a complete listing of workshops
(PDF)
Saturday, May 29
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
$190 each
A Basic Toolbox for Assessing Institutional Effectiveness WORKSHOP FULL
Presented by: Michael F. Middaugh, University of Delaware
This workshop examines a broad range of strategies, methodologies, and tools for
assessing the effectiveness of a college or university. The workshop will focus
on measuring the effectiveness of institutional processes which affect prospective
and current students, faculty and staff, issues related to academic productivity
and cost containment, administrative effectiveness, and tools for clearly communicating
information about institutional effectiveness. Participants are encouraged to identify
concerns about the effectiveness of their own institutions and to discuss those
concerns.
Participants are not required to bring a laptop to this workshop.
Access, Analyze, and Summarize Institutional Data from Your Desktop Using SAS
Enterprise Guide
Presented by: Tom R. Bohannon, Retired
Baylor University
Jerry Oglesby, SAS Institute Inc.
This hands-on workshop will cover the use of the menu driven tasks in SAS Enterprise
Guide 4.2, the point-and-click interface to SAS, to perform common institutional
research tasks, such as querying, reporting, and analyzing data. SAS Enterprise
Guide provides a SAS graphical interface that helps you exploit the power of SAS
and publish dynamic results in a Microsoft Windows client application. This workshop
is for analysts and managers who may or may not have SAS programming experience
but need to access, manage, and summarize data from different sources, present results
in tables and graphs, and perform statistical analysis.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista*
- Software: SAS 9.2. AIR will provide this software.
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
* NOTE: Supported Windows Vista Editions are Enterprise, Business and Ultimate
Data Mining: Learning Clustering Techniques and Predictive Modeling WORKSHOP
FULL
Presented by: Thulasi Kumar, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Sutee Sujitparapitaya, San Jose State University
Attendees will study both clustering techniques and predictive modeling skills using
a live mock database and the PASW Modeler 13 (formerly known as SPSS Clementine)
data mining program.
Specific hands-on topics include:
- Extracting data from a transactional data warehouse
- Preparing data for an analytical file format
- Conducting a data audit and visualization
- Using TwoStep and K-means clustering nodes
- Using Neural Net and C&RT predictive modeling nodes
Lecture portions include:
- Comparison between traditional statistics and data mining
- Concepts in segmentation
- Use of data mining techniques in government, higher education sectors
- Advanced data mining applications
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
CANCELLED
Effective Communication through Visual Design: Presentations, Tables, and Charts
Presented by: Rebecca E. Carr, Association of American Universities Data Exchange
Mary Harrington, University of Mississippi
Looking at the IR Function Through the Lens of Process Benchmarking
Presented by: Gerald W. McLaughlin, DePaul University
Richard D. Howard, University of Minnesota
Josetta McLaughlin, Roosevelt University
When an institution becomes concerned about how to implement its institutional research
function, it often needs to use more than informal campus discussions and a survey.
Process benchmarking can identify and help implement major changes and may be appropriate.
This workshop will provide participants with a framework of process benchmarking.
A case study will engage participants in a sequence of probable events relating
to the evaluation of the IR function in a mid-sized public university. The discussion
will help participants identify when and how to use process benchmarking, as well
as some of the risks associated with it. Lessons learned will be shared by the presenters.
Participants are not required to bring a laptop to this workshop.
Visual Basic Programming in Excel
Presented by: Christopher J. Maxwell, Purdue University
This workshop provides instruction on using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
in Excel. VBA can be used to maintain, manipulate, and automate report production
with Institutional Research data. In the morning session we will explore the VBA
editor, record and edit VBA code, manipulate Excel objects, and program control
statements. In the afternoon session, we will create custom user interfaces.
Participants will work though examples while the presenters provide hands-on assistance.
Commented code samples for each topic will be provided via http://www.purdue.edu/OIR/irvba/default.htm. The intended
audience includes researchers who use Excel for reporting, and who have some experience
programming in any language.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Software: Microsoft Excel. AIR will not provide this software.
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
Saturday, May 29
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
$95 each
CANCELLED
Basic Statistics: What Every IR Professional Should Know
Presented by: Andrew L. Luna, University of North Alabama
Ignoring It Doesn't Make It Go Away: A Workshop for Addressing Missing Data
in Institutional Research
Presented by: Jacob PK Gross, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
Mary Ziskin, Indiana University-Bloomington
John V. Moore, Temple University
Afet Dadashova, Indiana University-Bloomington
This hands-on workshop is designed to help institutional researchers think about
the steps for (a) exploring the ‘missingness’ of their data, (b) implementing common
techniques for addressing missing data, and (c) considering how results and conclusions
may vary depending on assumptions and techniques employed. The goal of this workshop
is to encourage all IR professionals to consider practical methods for addressing
this persistent problem, and to provide concrete examples for doing so. Participants
are expected to have some familiarity with and access to SAS. Some example code
will be provided for other programs as well.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista*
- Software: SAS 9.2. AIR will provide this software.
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA
Introduction to Dashboards in Excel 2007 WORKSHOP
FULL
Presented by: Craig W. Abbey, State University of New York at Buffalo
Do you want to learn how to create a dashboard in Excel 2007 with high-quality graphs?
Is so, this hands-on, computer-based workshop is the one for you. You'll learn about
various types of dashboards, how to create high-quality graphs and how to customize
your work to highlight your data's meaning. Topics covered include creating and
formatting charts for time-series, ranking, part-to-whole, deviation, distribution,
correlation and nominal comparison relationships. Plus, you'll learn many time-saving
tricks and tips.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Software: Microsoft Excel 2007. AIR will not provide this software.
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
Processing and Analyzing Qualitative Data in SPSS Text Analysis
Presented by: Tracy A. Rokas, Vanderbilt University
For many institutional research professionals, processing qualitative responses
to open-ended survey questions is a time-consuming task. The use of SPSS Text Analysis
can help streamline the process of qualitative data analysis and provide new avenues
for understanding how qualitative and quantitative variables interact within a dataset.
This workshop will guide participants through: 1) creating SPSS Text Analysis projects,
2) importing data to projects, 3) performing extractions on data, 4) creating and
refining categories, 5) exporting coding data to integrate or reincorporate it with
other datasets, and 6) managing linguistic resources with the program to streamline
data extraction processes.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Software: SPSS and Microsoft Excel. AIR will provide SPSS but will
not provide Excel.
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
S.O.S.: Student Outcomes Solutions for Program Assessment
Presented by: Paula S. Krist, University of San Diego
Learn how to promote best practices in outcomes assessment at your institution!
Academic and student support programs are concerned with developing and assessing
student learning outcomes. Direct evidence of student learning promotes improvement
and meets accreditation and accountability requirements. Participants will develop
student learning outcomes and measures that will be effective for programs at their
institutions. The workshop will include suggestions for working with faculty and
student support personnel and highlight resources available to IR assessment practitioners.
Participants are not required to bring a laptop to this workshop.
SQL Processing in the SAS Coding Environment: The PROC SQL Procedure
Presented by: Gary Levy, Marquette University
Alexandra E. Riley, Marquette University
Kathy Kiraly, SAS Institute, Inc.
Structured query language (SQL) programming is foundational knowledge for modern
institutional researchers. One of the greatest and most distinctive strengths of
the SAS programming language is that is allows use of structured query language
within the SAS programming environment using the PROC SQL procedure. This course
is for beginner to medium level SAS software code users who want to process data
using Structured Query Language within the SAS programming environment. The course
focuses on using PROC SQL in SAS as a data query and manipulation tool, a data retrieval
tool, and a data reporting tool.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer. Laptop
computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP Professional Works
on Windows ONLY (does not include Windows Server, XP Home, or Vista operating systems)
- Software: SAS (any version between 9.0 and 9.1.3). AIR will provide
this software.
- Configuration: 1,080 MB hard disk space and 256 MB RAM minimum
(512 MB RAM recommended)
Saturday, May 29
12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
$95 each
Advanced Dashboard in Excel 2007 WORKSHOP
FULL
Presented by: Craig W. Abbey, State University of New York at Buffalo
Want to learn how to make updating and changing your Excel dashboard easy? Attend
this workshop and you'll learn how to dynamically update graphs using the OFFSET
function, and how to work with multiple reporting units using combo boxes. But that's
not all -- you'll also learn how to create traffic light indicators and how to automatically
change the number of data points you graph. You’ll wow them with the dashboard skills
you learn here.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Software: Microsoft Excel 2007. AIR will not provide this software.
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
An Introduction to Hierarchical Linear Modeling
Presented by: Afet Dadashova, Indiana University-Bloomington
This workshop will introduce institutional researchers to the analysis of data with
a nested structure. Participants will be introduced to two-level regression models
– multilevel and hierarchical linear. Through demonstration and discussion of examples
participants will learn when it is useful to run multilevel models and how to interpret
the results. Models will be demonstrated using the statistical software package
HLM. Participants will have an opportunity to practice interpreting results from
output provided as an example. Participants are expected to have a basic understanding
of statistical inference, and some experience with analysis of variance and multiple
regression analysis.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
Excel Macros Boot Camp - Spreadsheet Automation
Presented by: Mark Leany, Utah Valley University
Tim Stanley, Utah Valley State College
This hands-on workshop covers:
- Basics (recording, re-writing, running macros)
- Design (thinking like a macro)
- Higher Skills (control flow, commands)
- Practice (using what you've learned)
Excel 2003/2007 macro differences will be highlighted, and participants will receive
class notes and electronic course content. Prior macro experience is not required,
but participants do need: (1) A working knowledge of and experience using Excel
spreadsheets, (2) The desire to use macros to automate functions and (3) A willingness
to work and learn.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Software: Microsoft Excel 2007 or Microsoft Excel 2003. AIR will
not provide this software.
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
How to Conduct Cost Studies
Presented by: John H. Milam, Lord Fairfax Community College
This workshop will provide a complete introduction to the literature, research,
models, methodologies, allocation schemes, data structures, and applications for
cost studies. Particular attention will be paid to the process of gathering the
data, modifying models when information such as faculty workload is not available,
handling organizational mapping, and choosing the suitable level of aggregation
for reporting results.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
Let's Do It: Available Strategies and Instruments for Assessing Student Learning
in the Major
Presented by: J. Fredericks Volkwein , The Pennsylvania State University
If your institution needs to move beyond talking about assessment to collecting
actual data, come to this session to examine various strategies and instruments
for measuring student learning by major. Institutional researchers will come away
from the workshop with the skills to assist faculty with their department based
assessment programs, and to collect useful outcomes information for the entire institution.
Participants are not required to bring a laptop to this workshop.
Program Assessment: Creating Effective Plans and Management Processes
Presented by: Robert L. Armacost, University of Central Florida
Julia J. A. Pet-Armacost, University of Central Florida
The increasing focus on accountability and continuous improvement in higher education
can cause challenges for program assessment. Two major challenges involve developing
effective plans for and implementing management processes to institutionalize program
assessment. This workshop shows how to create assessment plans that focus on continuous
improvement, including student learning, and guides you to use a submission and
review process that promotes a quality assurance approach. It will illustrate the
roles of support personnel and technology in creating a successful institution-wide
system for program assessment.
Participants are not required to bring a laptop to this workshop.
Sunday, May 30
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
$190 each
An Intensive Introduction to Data Mining in Institutional Research WORKSHOP FULL
Presented by: Thulasi Kumar, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Sutee Sujitparapitaya, San Jose State University
Data mining techniques are becoming increasingly popular for institutional data
analysis. Data mining is often viewed as expensive, time consuming, and too technical
to understand and apply. This full-day workshop will introduce the basic foundations
of data mining from an institutional research perspective. Topics presented will
include the following:
- Institutional research data types
- Institutional research questions and issues
- Data quality issues
- Data selection for data mining
- Data mining process
- Data mining techniques
- Data mining tools
- Resources
Emphasis will be on the beginner (novice) perspective. A copy of the manual is provided.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
Balanced Scorecards in Higher Education: Developing and Using Them in Strategy
Execution
WORKSHOP FULL
Presented by: Jan W. Lyddon, Franklin University
Bruce E. McComb, Organizational Effectiveness Consultants
Participants will gain a basic understanding of the major components of strategy
execution tools including balanced scorecards, dashboards, Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs) and strategy maps. The workshop will help users develop draft KPIs tied to
a strategy (or strategic plan) and identify various leadership roles in building
a scorecard and the role of the institutional research (IR) office in KPI development.
Participants will learn to identify sources and methods for setting benchmarks,
gain an understanding of the implementation plan for a balanced scorecard and dashboard
system, and discover how to effectively use the system to improve strategy execution.
Participants are not required to bring a laptop to this workshop.
Key Responsibilities and Strategies for the Practice of Institutional Research:
A Workshop for Newcomers
Presented by: Karen L. Webber, University of Georgia
This workshop is designed for new practitioners who engage in institutional research
activities. The workshop addresses such key components as defining critical issues
for institutional research, identifying sources of data, developing fact books and
other reports, and conducting effective enrollment management and survey research
for assessment and evaluation. The workshop will focus on general concepts and practical
strategies for the implementation or continued development of effective institutional
research at many colleges and universities, regardless of size or type.
Participants are not required to bring a laptop to this workshop.
Planning and Implementing Program Evaluations for University Clients
Presented by: Shelly A. Potts, Arizona State University
Lenay Dunn, Arizona State University
Given the amount of federal and foundation grant funding available to higher education
institutions, institutional researchers have a unique opportunity to apply their
research skills to serve as independent program evaluators. This workshop will help
institutional researchers develop the basic skills to plan, implement, and carry
out a program evaluation. Workshop leaders Dr. Shelly Potts and Lenay Dunn have
extensive experience in the field of program evaluation. As leadership of the University
Office of Evaluation and Educational Effectiveness at Arizona State University,
they lead numerous institutional research and evaluation projects and serve as independent
evaluators for external grants.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
Sunday, May 30
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
$95 each
Basic Program Evaluation
Presented by: Sharron L. Ronco, Florida Atlantic University
In today’s resource-scarce climate, it has become more common to demand evidence
that a program’s results justify the investment in it. In addition, accrediting
agencies often include requirements for the regular evaluation of the institution’s
programs and services. Although institutional researchers are often called upon
to analyze data from program outcomes, they may be less prepared to take the lead
in conceptualizing, planning and managing the evaluations. This workshop will acquaint
IR practitioners with basic program evaluation methods, and focus on evaluating
academic support programs such as freshman learning communities, tutoring or mentoring
programs, and advising services.
Participants are not required to bring a laptop to this workshop.
Creating a Campus-Wide Reporting Solution Using Data Warehousing Technology
WORKSHOP FULL
Presented by: Michael Dillon, University of Maryland Baltimore County
This workshop introduces participants to data warehousing as a tool to create a
campus-wide reporting solution. A theoretical model is proposed that demonstrates
why IR should play a central role in such a solution. Designed for institutional
researchers with limited knowledge of data warehousing, but who are interested in
learning more, the workshop provides participants with a clear explanation of various
concepts/terms used in data warehousing and relates them to equivalent terms used
in the Social Sciences. The workshop reviews the major institutional issues involved
in creating a campus-wide reporting solution and offers concrete examples of how
IR can help.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
How to Write and Publish a Research Paper in a Scholarly Journal
Presented by: Stephen R. Porter, Iowa State University
The workshop teaches institutional researchers how to write and publish a research
paper in one of the higher education journals. The presenters will analyze the elements
of a good manuscript, as well as provide a detailed overview of the manuscript review
process. They will also demonstrate how to handle requests for revision, and describe
potential outlets for research. Strategies will be offered for those interested
in producing research for publication while working full-time in an IR office.
Participants are not required to bring a laptop to this workshop.
CANCELLED
Planning for Learning Toolbox: Integrating Student Learning Outcomes in Program
Planning
Presented by: Patricia E. Pates, University of Central Florida
CANCELLED
From Assessment Practice to Assessment Leadership: Strategies for Influencing
Institutions to Adopt a Learning Model
Presented by: Linda Neavel Dickens, The University of Texas at Austin
CANCELLED
Working with Disciplinary Taxonomies
Presented by: John H. Milam, Lord Fairfax Community College
Sunday, May 30
12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
$95 each
Introduction to Dashboards in Excel 2007
Presented by: Craig W. Abbey, State University of New York at Buffalo
Do you want to learn how to create a dashboard in Excel 2007 with high-quality graphs?
Is so, this hands-on, computer-based workshop is the one for you. You'll learn about
various types of dashboards, how to create high-quality graphs and how to customize
your work to highlight your data's meaning.
Topics covered include creating and formatting charts for time-series, ranking,
part-to-whole, deviation, distribution, correlation and nominal comparison relationships.
Plus, you'll learn many time-saving tricks and tips.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit version),
Vista/Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions), Apple Mac OS X
- Software: Microsoft Excel 2007. AIR will not provide this software.
- Configuration: Intel or AMD x86 processor running at 1 gigahertz
(GHz) or higher, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or more (at least 1 gigabyte (GB) is
recommended), Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor, wireless internet
capability
Introduction to Statistics for IR using SPSS WORKSHOP
FULL
Presented by: Michael G. Crow, Savannah State University
Using SPSS, this workshop provides experience in producing, understanding, and conceptualizing
descriptive and inferential statistical concepts. The workshop will cover basic
SPSS file management, including handling of missing data and unique characteristics
of continuous and categorical data. Participants will consider data distribution
shapes including concepts of central tendency, variance, and outliers; confidence
intervals, frequency distributions and cross tabulations; tests of group differences
(i.e., Anova); correlation, statistical and substantive significance, and effect
size. Additionally, participants will produce tabular and graphic representations
and data summaries. Potentially 85% of IR work can be generated with tools reviewed
in this workshop. If you never studied graduate-level statistics or need a refresher,
this is the workshop for you.
Participants attending this workshop are required to bring a laptop computer.
Laptop computers must meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Home, Service
Pack 2 or later (32-bit) or Windows Vista Ultimate, Enterprise, Business, Home Premium,
or Home Basic (32- and 64-bit)
- Software: SPSS. AIR will provide this software.
- Configuration:
- Processor: Intel Pentium-class; 3.0 GHz recommended
- Monitor: 1024 x 768 (SVGA) resolution
- Memory: 512MB or more memory recommended; 1GB or more for large datasets
- Minimum free drive space: 300MB; more recommended for larger datasets
AIR Newcomers Workshop Complimentary Workshop
Presented by: Jim Lenio, Walden University
Crissie Grove, Touro University Nevada
Intended for first-time AIR Forum participants, this free workshop outlines the
benefits of AIR membership and offers a venue to begin networking with other IR
professionals. The workshop will present a brief history of IR and a short overview
of the profession with topics covering: analysis and reporting, planning, assessment,
and decision support. Make connections with fellow AIR members, discover opportunities
for involvement in the Association, and learn about AIR programs and services. We
will also provide tips on how to get the most out of your time at the Forum.
Participants are not required to bring a laptop to this workshop.