| This dissertation explored the following questions: Does the available primary quantitative research on school uniforms present sufficient evidence to defend adopting a mandated school uniform policy in order to increase subsequent student academic performance, and, does the available primary quantitative research on school uniforms present sufficient evidence to defend adopting a mandated school uniform policy in order to improve subsequent student social behavior?;This analysis examined 19 primary quantitative research documents that address the relationship between school uniforms and their impact on student behavior and academic achievement. This study focused on an examination of the methodologies used in the research reviewed and how well the normative design elements of those methodologies were implemented.;Six of the nineteen studies were excellent, 9 were good, and 4 were found to be only fair respecting their quality of design. When considering only those 12 studies where cause and effect conclusions were literally possible 6 were excellent, 5 were good, and 1 was fair in design.;Once direct consideration of the outcome measures of interest were considered in this analysis, it was found that only one study with excellent design features supported an improvement in both student academic achievement and social behavior, and one found an improvement in academics only. Of the studies with good design features one found positive results in both areas, and two found improvement in student behavior only.;Finally, 18 of the 19 authors conceded that their studies had no external validity, and the only author not to concede this point had sufficiently flawed design and implementation as to lead to the same conclusion. That is, regardless of the nature and direction of the findings, type of methodology, or design “goodness” and implementation, none of the studies produced findings that can be defensibly generalized and used in any school or district other than the original sample.;The dissertation concluded with specific recommendations to school boards as how to make informed decisions with regard to the implementation of a school uniform policy based on the quality of the current research. |
