Interactive Data Analysis of the 1980 Election

Abstract

By introducing data analysis techniques, analyzing current research in voting behavior, and using the computer for social science research, introductory American Government courses on the undergraduate level are undertaking ambitious goals. Using the SETUPS units for each presidential election since 1972, cadets at the Coast Guard Academy have engaged in a comprehensive approach to the study of American electoral behavior in an interactive data analysis mode. Although SETUPS modules are run at most colleges and universities in batch mode, there are imitations and drawbacks to batch mode. The Coast Guard Academy is able to utilize interactive data analysis as a result of its time-sharing arrangement with the Dartmouth College Time Sharing System (DCTS). In this article we will discuss the use of SETUPS in an interactive mode using the CIDAR interactive data analysis system.