Pubdate: Mon, 19 Aug 2002
Source: Log Cabin Democrat (AR)
Copyright: 2002 The Log Cabin Democrat
Contact:  http://thecabin.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/548
Author: Bruce Plopper, Conway

RESEARCH DOESN'T VALIDATE TESTING

In her Aug. 12 front-page story on drug testing in Faulkner County schools, 
Tammy Keith reports on Dr. David Bangs' research findings concerning drug 
testing in Arkansas (his dissertation is available in the University of 
Arkansas at Little Rock's Ottenheimer Library). While I applaud Dr. Bangs 
for his efforts in this area, it is important to know that by his own 
admission his research sample was too small to be meaningful. On Page 50 of 
his work, he writes, "After researching numerous (statistical) techniques, 
it was concluded the data set was too small to meet statistical 
assumptions." This is just one of the methodological problems he explains.

In discussing the implications of his research (on Page 67 of his work), it 
is very telling that he writes, "It was apparent from this study there was 
little data involving jurisdiction for testing other than among those who 
administer the test."

This information attests to Dr. Bangs' honesty that he could find no 
scientific jurisdiction for student drug testing, and I feel this 
information should have been included in Ms. Keith's story. It is important 
for the public to know the complete findings of such important research.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart