Understanding School Rankings: Debunking the Myth of Purely Positive Research

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the criteria and methodologies used in school rankings, questioning whether these rankings are solely based on positive research results or if they encompass a broader range of factors. The scope includes conceptual exploration of ranking systems and their implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the definition of school rankings and whether they are based only on positive research results.
  • Others note that the variety of league tables leads to differing classifications and criteria for ranking institutions.
  • It is mentioned that rankings can be based on various factors, including research output and the percentage of students advancing to graduate school.
  • One participant humorously points out the existence of rankings based on non-academic criteria, such as "partying," suggesting skepticism about their validity.
  • Another participant expresses doubt about the credibility of the "partying" ranking, referencing a specific institution's removal from that list.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity and criteria of various school rankings, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of school rankings, including the potential for subjective criteria and the influence of different methodologies on the perceived quality of institutions.

Jekertee
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How is it define ?
Is it only based on positive research results ?
 
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It completely depends where you look. There are so many league tables out there, and they all seem to have different ways of classifying the results of each institution.
 
Generally, each of them will describe the criteria for ranking a school. Certainly some go by research, others by % of students who go on to grad school, etc. I've even seen a ranking of schools by "partying"!
 
HallsofIvy said:
I've even seen a ranking of schools by "partying"!

You probably don't want to go by this one...:rolleyes:
 
yeah that ranking is pretty dubious considering umass has been knocked off that list ;)
 
CPL.Luke said:
yeah that ranking is pretty dubious considering umass has been knocked off that list ;)

:smile::rolleyes:
 

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