Political Science

Political Science

The department chairs of three MPA programs agreed to collaborate on a study about differences in the student demographics as well as attitudes about their respective programs. One was a large program within a university, one was a small program within a small college, and one was an online program. The three chairs were curious to see if there were variations in attitudes because of the differences in the programs.

A random sample was selected from each school. The survey was confidential and all respondents were assured that only aggregate results would be presented. A small incentive was included in the first mail-out: a school key chain. A second survey was sent to those who had not returned the questionnaire on week after the deadline. Three weeks later, the non-responders were called to remind them to complete the survey. Three weeks later, a final postcard reminder was sent out. This extensive follow-up yielded an overall response rate of more than 60 percent in each school; 170 students responded from the large program, 55 from the small program, and 92 from the online program. Data can be found in attached documents.

You have been asked to analyze the data. Please provide the following:

Whether students in the three programs differ, and if so, the strength of those relationships. Use all of the data presented to compile your response.
Identify other factors that might explain differences in the percentages who would strongly recommend their program to others or not.
Summarize and present your results.
Cross-Tabulation Tables (in percent)
Table A
Does the percentage of students who are the first in their family to pursue a master’s degree vary by program?

First in family to pursue master’s degree
Yes No Total
Large MPA program 39 61 100
Small MPA program 18 82 100
Online MPA program 50 50 100
Total (n=317) 39 61 100

Note: Strength of relationship: Cramer’s V = .220

Table B
Does the percentage of men and women vary based on the program?

Men Women Total
Large MPA program 43 57 100
Small MPA program 46 54 100
Online MPA program 36 64 100
Total (n=317) 45 55 100

Note: Strength of relationship: Cramer’s V = .10
Table C
Do programs vary in terms of percentage of students who receive support from employer?

Employer pays cost
All costs Some costs No costs Total
Large MPA program 9 23 68 100
Small MPA program 2 4 95 100
Online MPA program 30 27 43 100
Total (n=317) 100

Note: Strength of relationship: Cramer’s V = .45
Table D
Do the programs differ in terms of student employment?

Not employed Private sector Public sector, not military Military Nonprofit Total
Large MPA program 10 8 50 19 13 100
Small MPA program 46 4 27 2 22 100
Online MPA program 10 5 36 46 3 100
Total (n=317) 16 6 42 24 12 100

Note:Measure of association: Cramer’s V = .52

Table E
Does recommendation of program vary?

Extent of recommendation of program to others
Strongly recommended Generally Possibly Generally not Strongly not recommended Total
Large MPA program 26 35 26 8 5 100
Small MPA program 16 65 15 4 0 100
Online MPA program 40 50 10 0 0 100
Total (n=317) 30 45 18 5 2 100

Note:Measure of association: Cramer’s V = .29

Table F
Does class size affect recommendation of program?
Extent of recommendation of program to others
Strongly recommended Generally Possibly Generally not Strongly not recommended Total
Small class (<20) 27 61 10 3 9 100
Medium class (21-30) 34 42 19 3 2 100
Large class ((31 or more) 23 38 25 8 6 100
Total (n=317) 28 45 19 5 3 100

Note:Measure of association: Tau c = .157

Table G
Is the amount of individual attention associated with extent of recommendation?
Strongly recommended Generally Possibly Generally not Strongly not recommended Total
Very satisfied 56 35 8 1 0 100
Generally satisfied 30 60 12 7 0 100
Neither 3 68 20 11 0 100
Generally dissatisfied 5 16 51 19 8 100
Very dissatisfied 0 0 60 10 30 100
Total (n=317) 28 45 19 5 3 100

Note:Measure of association: Tau c = .46