Comparative Evaluation of Two Sets of Social Indicators

An earlier and a subsequent study which constructed two sets of social indicators for Charlotte, N.C. during the past two years are here examined and compared as part of an effort directed to the development of a general methodological approach for synthesizing and selecting between various indicators at local government levels. Five measurement tests are used to compare the two sets. The tests are based upon two criteria: correspondence and correctness. Four tests apply the former criterion; one test applies the latter. Although the results show the superiority of the more recent study, the more essential purpose is to illustrate a potentially useful approach to evaluating social indicators which is independent of the local public policy making process and is amenable to computerization. Although many of the tests employed cannot be brought to a completely satisfactory resolution at the present moment, the evaluation methodology can be regarded as a start toward a needed approach to assist systems analysts and local officials concerned with municipal information systems in constructing more reliable and accurate social indicators.