Improving data utilization: the case-wise alternative

Both research and practical experience suggest that alternative forms of data analysis and presentation may affect their use in the policy arena. The variable-wise alternative produces estimates of population parameters through conventional statistical techniques. The case-wise alternative defines and identifies qualitatively distinct types of cases through techniques of numerical taxonomy. In the experiment reported here, variable-wise and case-wise presentations of Census data on poverty were used to compare the effects of the alternatives on policy makers in a priority-setting task. The results show that the case-wise alternative can improve utilization, assimilation, recall, and recognition of the data. Under the circumstances examined here, the case-wise alternative is a practical means of increasing the return on the public's investment in data resources to improve policy decisions.