Most quantitative studies in the social sciences suffer from missing data. However, despite the large availability of documents and software to treat such data, it appears that many social scientists do not apply good practices regarding missing data. We analyzed quantitative papers published in 2017 in six top-level social science journals.…

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to provide empirical evidence about the reporting of methodology to address missing outcome data and the acknowledgement of their impact in Cochrane systematic reviews in the mental health field. Methods: Systematic reviews published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews after January 1, 2009 by…

This article contains a second-order meta-analysis and an exploration of bias in the technology integration literature in higher education. Thirteen meta-analyses, dated from 2000 to 2014 were selected to be included based on the questions asked and the presence of adequate statistical information to conduct a quantitative synthesis. The weighted…

Examines the prevalence of inflated Type I error in counseling research and recommends wider use of multivariate statistics to correct the problem. Type I error becomes inflated beyond acceptable levels when researchers perform individual univariate statistics on each of several dependent variables within a single project. (Author)

Measurement of physical activity patterns is discussed in terms of data obtained by attitude assessment, activity questionnaires, personal monitoring devices, and fitness assessment. Problems of each technique are described. Application of activity measures to the estimation of total dietary needs is discussed. (SK)

A research review supports the validity of the person-environment fit (PEF) model in vocational psychology; however, sampling inadequacies have influenced results. One PEF example, Holland's hexagonal model, is unsupported due to lack of commensurate measurement; most hexagonal congruence indices are invalid. (Contains 110 references.) (SK)

Presents a table of cases requiring causal modeling or an equivalent technique. Reviews nine years of published research in communication journals to assess the adequacy of analysis in these situations. Offers standards for the conduct and reporting of causal modeling along with a review of their use in published causal modeling. (NKA)

Examines potential problems in the use of inferential statistics for single population proportions, differences between two population proportions, and quotients of two population proportions. Discusses hypothesis testing versus interval estimation. Emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate formula for the standard error and…

Reviews J. P. Rushton's data in "Race Differences in Behavior: A Review and Evolutionary Analysis" (1988), and suggests that aggregating large cohorts of methodologically weak studies results in misleading conclusions. A reanalysis of Rushton's data shows that cranial size is not a feasible indicator of intelligence and is similar in…

The proper use of Pearson's chi-square for the analysis of contingency tables is reviewed. A 1949 article by Lewis and Burke, in which they cite nine primary sources of error in the use of chi-square, serves as the basis of the review. Those nine sources of error are re-examined in light of current research. In addition, techniques and research on…

Discusses problems involved with surveying and assessing literacy rates in developing nations. Defines current debates over literacy measurement, classification, and surveying. Examines and questions current assumptions linking literacy policy and economic development. Describes models for surveying and measuring literacy and numeracy skill…

The inclusion of unmeasured variables in path analyses in educational research is discussed. The statistical basis for inclusion is presented, along with several examples. (JKS)

Given the complexity of classroom reading observations, maintenance of measurement reliability is a concern to researchers. Sources of variation contributing to the unreliability of many measurements may be either (1) lasting and specific, (2) lasting and general, (3) temporary and specific, or (4) temporary and general. Lasting-specific sources…

This paper evaluates the logic underlying various criticisms of statistical significance testing and makes specific recommendations for scientific and editorial practice that might better increase the knowledge base. Reliance on the traditional hypothesis testing model has led to a major bias against nonsignificant results and to misinterpretation…