About Science and Engineering Indicators

08/02/2006
Science and Engineering
Indicators (SEI) is first and
foremost a volume of record
comprising the major high
quality quantitative data on the
U.S. and international science
and engineering enterprise. SEI is
factual and policy-neutral. It does
not offer policy options and it
does not make policy
recommendations. SEI employs a
variety of presentational styles
ta!les" figures" narrative te#t"
!ulleted te#t" $e!-!ased links"
highlights" introductions"
conclusions" reference liststo
make the data accessi!le to
readers $ith different information
needs and different information processing preferences.
%he data are &indicators.& Indicators are quantitative representations that might reasona!ly
!e thought to provide summary information !earing on the scope" quality" and vitality of the
science and engineering enterprise. %he indicators reported in SEI are intended to contri!ute
to an understanding of the current environment and inform the development of future
policies. SEI does not model the dynamics of the enterprise" and it avoids strong claims
a!out the significance of the indicators it reports. SEI is used !y readers $ho hold a variety
of vie$s a!out $hich indicators are most significant for different purposes.
SEI is prepared !y the 'ational Science (oundation)s *ivision of Science +esources
Statistics (S+S) on !ehalf of the 'ational Science ,oard. It is su!ject to e#tensive revie$ !y
outside e#perts" interested federal agencies" 'S, mem!ers" and S+S internal revie$ers for
accuracy" coverage" and !alance.
SEI includes more information a!out measurement than many readers unaccustomed to
analy-ing social and economic data may find easy to a!sor!. %his information is included
!ecause readers need a good understanding of $hat the reported measures mean and ho$
the data $ere collected in order to use the data appropriately. SEI)s data analyses" ho$ever"
are relatively accessi!le. %he data can !e e#amined in various $ays" and SEI generally
emphasi-es neutral" factual description and avoids unconventional or controversial analysis.
.s a result" SEI almost e#clusively uses simple statistical tools that should !e familiar and
accessi!le to most readers. +eaders comforta!le $ith num!ers and percentages and
equipped $ith a general conceptual understanding of terms such as &statistical significance&
and &margin of error& $ill readily understand the statistical material in SEI.
Science and Engineering Indicators
List of Figures
About the National Science Foundation