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The aim of this paper is to introduce and appraise several techniques that might be used to reduce information overload resulting from exposure to social or socio-economic reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attention now being given in the social sciences to time series indicators that measure the 'Social Health' of the nation is a most welcome development. Too often, sweeping claims of social change have very little hard supporting evidence. The new trend indicators offer the opportunity for more rigorous analysis of diverse subjects than is often employed in the 'soft sciences'. Public opinion indicators show a decline in favor for U.S. business which has resulted in Congressional legislation of business, labor reform, restrictions on the environment, consumerism, and inflation. More restrictions can be expected if the social indicators are correct. Political indicators tell us that Republican party loyalty and allegiance have steadily declined since the 1950s and perhaps the 'emerging Republican majority' is merely a myth. There are vast implications to be derived from indicators that show the birth rate nearing zero population growth; religion steadily losing influence in America over the past 30 years; and, the youth are far more sober than the rebellious few who draw mass media attention. Social indicators have been very predictive of the future but largely ignored. A clearinghouse is needed to systematically monitor existing social indicators to avoid waste, duplication and downright reglect of important information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educational indicators are statistical time series that reflect the state of some element of the educational system. Most turning points in educational indicators are not cyclical, but respond to major societal events. Three examples are presented: The probability of a 10th grader continuing to the 11th grade has increased linearly for 60 years, being affected positively by unemployment and negatively by increase in GNP per capita and by military expansion. Baccalaureate degrees per high school graduate four years earlier declined with the expansion of secondary education following the 1890's, rising after World War I, falling as the Depression approached. A major turning point occurred after World War II and the indicator peaked in 1950. A current downward turning point in school enrollment rate of 18-19 year old males may have been prompted by a change in selective service policies granting exemptions to college enrollees. Continuous monitorship of educational indicators would facilitate the development of policy and programs to adjust to dysfunctional educational trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social planning (SP) is viewed as an organizing framework for guiding government intervention in social life. Social indicators (SI) can provide the informational basis for formulating policies, preparing social plans and evaluating the impact of government activities. Both SP and SI are only two links in a desired sequence of organized social action. But given the present state of the art, the urgency of social problems and the opportunity cost of waiting for further theoretical development-initial efforts should be directed at developing SI for SP. Israel's experience is presented as an example of: These examples are used as a basis for suggesting some practical possibilities of developing SI and SP in Israel and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]