Data Deception: The Learning Curve

Context

Your platform flags at-risk students, showing high retention. A researcher suggests reverse causality. Investors urge aggressive marketing. Investigating delays launch.

Dilemma

Do you:
A) Market the platform with the impressive retention rate, or
B) Delay launch to investigate the researcher's claims?

Summary

Researchers have cast doubt on Purdue University’s claims that its early-warning system, Signals, improves student retention. Analyses suggest the system’s perceived impact is a result of students persisting in their studies rather than Signals causing higher retention. Purdue defended its findings but acknowledged more research is needed. While Signals-inspired systems remain valuable for academic support, experts stress the need for rigorous validation of ed-tech claims.

Resources:

• https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/11/06/researchers-cast-doubt-about-early-warning-systems-effect-retention
• https://eliterate.us/course-signals-effectiveness-data-appears-meaningless-care/