The ongoing public discourse is not only entrenched in controversy but also largely fueled by conjecture and anecdotal evidence. Hence, it now seems critical that empirical analysis should be conducted to inform the school uniform debate. In this study, we investigated the relationship between uniforms and several outcomes that represent the core elements of uniform proponent's claims. Specifically, we examined how a uniform affects attendance, behavior problems, substance abuse, and academic achievement. We believe that a thorough analysis of the arguments proposed by uniform advocates will add critical insight to the ongoing debate on the effects of school uniform policies.
Student uniforms decrease behavioral problems.
Student uniforms increase attendance. Student uniforms increase academic achievement. They suspected that when other variables affecting these four items were accounted for, it would be shown that uniforms were not the cause for improvement. The authors concentrated on data from the students 10th grade year. The researchers wanted to determine if there was a tie between these variables and desirable behavior by the students.