Ranking of Canadian Universities: A New Marketing Tool.

A critical perspective is presented in regard to rankings of Canadian universities by Maclean's magazine, November 23, 1998. Several pitfalls in the ranking procedures, together with statistical (nonparametric) analyses of the 1998 ranking data, are summarized. The Maclean's data and general criteria appear conceptually reasonable, but their inconsistencies, together with associated problems in the interpretation of rank data, show that they cannot be logically or empirically useful to students in the matter of university evaluation. Some general issues for counselling of students in this context are mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]