Advanced modeling of item response data through the item response theory (IRT) or item factor analysis frameworks is becoming increasingly popular. In the social and behavioral sciences, the underlying structure of tests/assessments is often multidimensional (i.e., more than 1 latent variable/construct is represented in the items). This review…

Handbooks denote representative authority, which gives their content normative value and through which editors and authors can emphasize certain views and orientations within a field. The representative authority of a handbook is reinforced in various ways, both obvious and subtle. The "SAGE Handbook of Curriculum and Instruction" is no exception…

Describes primary and supplemental textbooks on nonparametric statistics. Lists conceptual and applied articles using these techniques. Recommends using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS-X) computer statistical analysis program. (CFR)

This book is designed to introduce the use of the Rasch model in the social sciences at a level that requires a minimal understanding of statistics. It demonstrates how the Rasch model can be applied to a variety of social science problems and prepares readers to conduct and interpret their own analyses. (SLD)

This reader was designed to support the Open University Masters in Social Sciences program and as such includes an appendix of useful questions based on the texts used to stimulate seminar discussion. It offers insights into ethnographic research techniques and serves as a tool through which some limitations of conventional quantitative research…

The Jansen and Roskam (1986) approach to joining categories of graded responses presents valid arguments that are subject to empirical test. The multiplicative Poisson (MPM) model of D. Andrich can be seen as an approximation to the continuous response model of Muller (1987). An extension of the MPM is suggested. (SLD)

These further remarks on the nondichotomization of graded responses attempt to clarify the differences in perspective between the two previous articles. The special case of the multiplicative Poisson model reveals why the joining assumption and dichotomization are not, in general, properties of the unidimensional Rasch model. (SLD)

The major focus of this monograph is on statistical tools that aim to facilitate the description and explanation of social phenomena. The basics of data gathering are presented, and a number of major topics in data analysis are reviewed. A major contribution is the treatment of methodological issues. (SLD)

Review states that the book gives an examination of the null-hypothesis significance test procedure as an integral component of data analysis of quantitative research studies in the social sciences. It is designed for the nonmathematics student who will be doing empirical studies involving the testing of substantive hypotheses. (SLD)

Suggests that there is a tendency in social science and program evaluation to adhere to some methodological practices by force of custom rather than because of their reasoned applicability. These ideas include regression artifacts, random measurement error, and change or gain scores. (Author/SLD)

Agrees with L. Mohr that researchers are too quick to assume that measurement error is random, but disagrees that the idea of regression toward the mean has been a distraction and the notion that change scores analysis should be avoided in favor of regression analysis. (SLD)

Responds to C. S. Reichardt's discussion of regression artifacts, random measurement error, and change scores. Emphasizes that attention to regression artifacts in program evaluation is almost bound to be problematic and proposes some arguments in support of this position. (SLD)

The American Psychological Association (APA) has recently published the fifth edition of its "Publication Manual." This paper provides a brief overview of how this edition differs from previous editions and summarizes features of the new edition that will be likely to have an impact on social science research over the next several years.…

Discussion of CD-ROM titles available through the Depository Library Program of the U.S. Government Printing Office that are useful for research in the social sciences reviews 12 titles issued by the Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Labor, and Department of Health and Human Services.…

The reviewer praises the book as a good elementary introduction to theory and method in factor analysis as it applies to psychometrics and social science research. (TJH)