Research Methods, Part 2

(Image courtesy of ARCS Foundation)

1) US Census Statistics

• The total population for Colorado (based on the 2000 Census) was 4,301,261. The projected total population for 2010 is 4,831,554.
• In 2000, the population of Asian and Pacific Islanders in Colorado was near 108,000.
• In 2000, the Census Bureau reported that about one in 10 residents was foreign-born, and about 25 percent of this population was Asian. Using this formula, about 1/4 of 10% (or 2.5% of the total population is Asian). According to the 2000 numbers for the state of Colorado, this statement by the Census Bureau rings true for the state (as 2.5% of 4,301,261 is 107, 531 people).

2) Crime Story #1

• The US Department of Justice offers a list with links to sex offender registries by state which can be found at: http://www.nsopw.gov/Core/PublicRegistrySites.aspx
• The FBI also offers a list of links to sex offender registries by state which can be found at: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/registry.htm
• Colorado offers an interactive map with sex offender information, including pictures. In my area in Northern, CO there are 4 Sex offenders within a mile radius of my home.
• Maryland offers a similar interactive map with full names and addresses, pictures, and this registry includes what the charges were. The URL for this map is: http://sorm.towson.edu/mapview/

3) Crime Story #2

• It is a bit shocking to me that some of the statistics on crime can vary drastically between the two resources. The statistic on forcible rape is particularly interesting. CU Reports 2 in 2007, and 4 in 2006. Whereas the Office of Post Secondary Education reports 10 in 2006 and 8 in 2007. The OPE's numbers are almost doubled on some years and that is a bit unsettling for me.
• As previously stated, according to the OPE and CU seven forcible rape incidents were reported in 2008. CU Police report 44 burglaries in 2008, while the OPE reports 59.

4) Political Reporting #1

• During his campaign, Mark Udall received $11,934,022.
• During his campaign, Michael Bennet received $3,661,380.
• According to Opensecrets

5) Political Reporting #2

• Governor Bill Ritter received $984,026 in campaign contributions in his last campaign (2008).
• Governor Bill Ritter received $4,365,457 in total contribution.
• In Colorado, the limit for personal contributions to gubernatorial and other state-wide candidates $525/election (NCSL Chart)

6) Government Statistics #1

• For 4-year public institutions in 2007-2008, the average cost of tuition, fees, room and board was $13,424 per year.
• For 4-year private institutions in 2007-2008, the average cost of tuition, fees, room and bard was $30,393 per year.
• NCES Chart

7) Government Statistics #2

• The homepage for the State of Colorado is: www.colorado.gov

8) Government Statistics #3

• The homepage for Loveland, CO is www.ci.loveland.co.us