The interesting thing about this approach is that the methodology is not yet fully established.
What is true, however, is that the methodology one uses to learn Mandarin is critically important.
Even those who have taken issue with the rankings agree that the methodology is clearly disclosed.
Hospitals that rank low in the cardiac surgery ratings often protest that the methodology is invalid.
Critics say that the methodology, relying on selective student memories, is hardly scientific.
The NAS group concluded that the methodology wasn't grounded in sound science.
Ms. Williams said that company auditors more senior than Mr. Shipley had determined that the methodology he used was flawed.
Even so, Luckey insists that the methodology is potentially applicable to other crops and regions around the world.
Some veterans who were told of the findings yesterday said they doubted that the methodology used in the study took into account the experience of many former soldiers.
"It's a work in progress," said Nicholas Scoppetta, the city's child welfare commissioner, adding that the methodology would be refined and expanded next year.
Some Democrats privately expressed concerns that the methodology used by Standard and Poor's might be flawed, underestimating the true costs of educating children in impoverished areas.
