Alliance for Lighting Information

PIER Scientific Methods

by Jefferey F. Knox

One of the main components of any scientific research is the reproducibility of the data collected. Since the data set included with this publication does not include the addresses of the sites visited and since the new metrics introduced in the report are not sufficiently described, the data presented cannot be independently verified or reproduced.

Another issue that compounds the non-reproductability of the data is that there is no description of the illuminance meter(s) used for the measurements. There are no manufacturers or model numbers reported, nor is it reported whether the meters have been calibrated either to a reference standard or to each other if more than one meter was used.

Another important component of scientific method is peer review. This document was never published in a draft form for public review. The American National Standards Institute always invites public review of any document they are considering accepting. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America always solicits technical review of any paper submitted. Any report or paper on which legislation is being based should be open to the same type of review.

References are also important in scientific reports. In this report there are miss-applied references and circular references (footnote 7 and 17) to the Model Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, a document that has not yet been published but that will be technically based on this report. In addition, the reference to the Model Outdoor Lighting Ordinance Classification of Outdoor Areas states that it is somehow associated with the Illumination Engineers Society of North America. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) has little if anything to do with the Model Outdoor Lighting Ordinance which is being sponsored, developed and promoted by the International Dark-Sky Association. These types of references are not appropriate for scientific publications.

A very good paper on research methodology and scientific method can be found at: http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/fulltext/ir659/gifford.pdf

• Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program's Outdoor Lighting Baseline Assessment Final Report - Follow the link to the registration page to download the Element 7 Report.
• ALI PIER Review Summary
• ALI: PIER Glare Ratio
• ALI: PIER Lamp Replacement Scenarios
• ALI: PIER Lighting Satisfaction Survey
• ALI: PIER Sample Design Methodology
• ALI: PIER Statistical Data
• ALI: PIER Unit Power Density
• ALI Home Page

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