Summary Measures in Medical Literature
Scientists depend on clear, cogent data displays to make their arguments and support their research conclusions. A well-constructed table or graph is like a snapshot that communicates the important features the researcher wants to highlight. It should be easy to understand and should complement the written summary of the research of which it is a part.
To prepare for this week’s Discussion, review the article by D.J. Fein, “Married and Poor: Basic Characteristics of Economically Disadvantaged Married Couples in the U.S,” from this week’s Learning Resources located at http://www.mdrc.org/publications/393/workpaper.html. Examine “Exhibit 5, Timing of First Births Relative to First Marriage: Women First Married in 1990.”
Exhibit 5 by Ellwood and Jencks is used to analyze CPS data on the timing of women’s first births relative to first marriages in successive marriage cohorts after dividing each cohort into thirds based on its level of education. Among couples who married in 1990, one-third of those in the bottom education category had their first child before marriage, compared with one-tenth of those in the top education category.
By Day 4, post a comprehensive response to the following:
- Define the argument that was made in the article by D.J. Fein.
- Do you think the exhibit supports the argument advanced in the article text? Why or why not? Be specific!
- What questions does the exhibit raise?
- How could the display be improved?