Association for Institutional Research
Enhancing Knowledge. Expanding Networks.
The Resources in Institutional Research series was created in 1992 as a result of strategic discussions between the AIR Executive Director and the Publications Committee. The purpose of this series is to produce for the membership and give greater visibility to the growing number of important AIR monographs. Starting with the now classic Functions of Institutional Research by Joe L. Saupe (first published in 1981), the best-selling Questionnaire Survey Research (now in its second edition by Linda A. Suskie), Effective Reporting (now in its second edition, first written by Trudy H. Bers with Jeffrey A. Seybert, the second edition is by Liz Sanders with Joseph Filkins), , Institutional Research: Decision Support in Higher Education (edited by Richard D. Howard), The Primer for Institutional Research (edited by William E. Knight) and People, Processes, and Managing Data, Second Edition (by Gerald W. McLaughlin and Richard D. Howard.) |
 Effective Reporting, Second Edition provides a short, user-friendly, comprehensive guide for institutional researchers. This monograph presents short and concise advice, checklist guides and examples of representations of quantitative data. (2009) ($25.00 for members; $30.00 for non-members).
Order online today!  Using Mixed Methods in Institutional Research approaches provide institutional research professionals with tools that can often enhance the usefulness of traditional quantitative work typically performed in institutional research offices. When used in a complementary fashion, quantitative methodologies allow one to assess what the outcomes of a program or process are, while the qualitative methodologies can provide the researcher with insights about why the outcomes developed as they did. In this Resources in Institutional Research volume five case studies are presented in which institutional researchers have used mixed method approaches to create planning and decision support information. (2007) ($26.00 for members; $36.00 for non-members)
Order online today!  Applications of Intermediate/Advanced Statistics in Institutional Research Edited by Mary Ann Coughlin; 214 pp. The focus of this monograph is to describe the theory and application of intermediate/advanced statistics to institutional research settings. You will learn more about: uses of non-parametric statistics for common assessment activities; applications of regression techniques to higher education problems and issues; uses of ANOVA for rating scale data, student performance data, and other IR data; applications of techniques for identifying groups and determining how groups differ; uses of advanced statistics to provide evidence of institutional effectiveness; and applications of multilevel modeling techniques to common IR questions. (2005) ($26.00 for members; $36.00 for non-members.)
Order online today!  People, Processes, and Managing Data, Second Edition, by Gerald W. McLaughlin and Richard D. Howard; 102 pp. Knowledge Management is the current “in-thing.” During the past 20 or so years, Data Management evolved into Information Management (remember IMS and MIS?) and Information Management evolved into Knowledge Management. As you will see, we fully support the concept that knowledge should be managed and include discussions about processes that facilitate the use of information to influence decision making. We object however to the claim by some that Knowledge Management is more important than Information Management or Data Management. As you see in our discussions, all three are key elements to quality decision support. The purpose of People, Processes, and Managing Data is to provide a conceptual and practical framework for creating a quality foundation of data that is necessary for the creation of quality information, quality knowledge, and their management in our colleges. (2004) ($16.00 for members; $21.00 for non-members.)
Order online today!  The Primer for Institutional Research , Edited by William E. Knight; 161 pp. This Primer builds upon a past history of publications by AIR designed to provide professional development opportunities for new and experienced IR practitioners. The current volume provides an introduction to some of the more common institutional research issues, methods, and resources for newcomers and provides a means for veterans to update their capabilities. Topics include institutional research support for college and university accountability, institutional research support for assessment, faculty activity and productivity, faculty salary analysis, enrollment management, selecting peer institutions and conducting inter-institutional data exchanges, using the Web for institutional research, using national datasets for postsecondary education research, and IR records management. (2003) ($21.00 for members; $31.00 for non-members; free with a new AIR membership.)
Order online today!  Institutional Research: Decision Support in Higher Education, Edited by Richard D. Howard; 222 pp. This volume provides keys to effective institutional research and its practice, including tools, theoretical framework, and contribution to the management of higher education. The seven main content areas are: Enrollment Management & Student Affairs; Institutional Effectiveness, Student Learning, & Outcomes Assessment; Academic Program & Faculty Issues; Resource Management & Quality Improvement; Planning & Policy Analysis; Theory, Practice, & Ethics of IR; Technology & Tools for IR. (2001) ($26.00 for members; $36.00 for non-members)
Order online today!  Questionnaire Survey Research: What Works (Expanded 2nd edition) by Linda A. Suskie; 206 pp. This book is designed for institutional researchers and others interested in research in higher education. It has two purposes: to provide the novice with a guide to the basic steps of survey research and to provide the more experienced researcher with a useful reference tool. (1996) ($21.00 for members; $26.00 for non-members.)
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 People, Processes and Managing Data by Gerald W. McLaughlin, Richard D. Howard, Lore A. Balkan and Elizabeth W. Blythe; 87 pp. The authors provide a good introduction to many of the roles and responsibilities associated with data generation, maintenance, management, and use in higher education. The authors primary contention is that the "value of data in support of decision making will only improve when the data are strategically managed." (This publication is out of print but is available to AIR members in PDF.) (1998) |