Presents conceptual framework for family therapy process research that integrates new process perspective with family systems theory. Focuses on circular interaction, over time, between and within therapist and family systems/subsystems. Explains empirical implications of each framework component. Concludes with three methodological criteria for…

Presents log-linear methods for ordinal data, known as association models, which take ordinality of variables into account and provide flexible and parsimonious modeling tool to study family behavior and interaction. Explains uniform association model and applies it to nationally representative data to examine how ordinal scale of marital…

Offers framework of 15 research methods varying by cost and expertise to promote more systematic approach to conducting student life research. Focuses on need for student life research. Most standard social science methods are discussed. Examples of research conducted by the Student Affairs Research, Information, and Systems Office at the…

Introduces social judgment theory as a potentially useful theoretical and methodological tool for understanding marital conflict. A computerized procedure is described for identification, measurement, and reporting of judgmental sources of marital conflict and for differentiation of apparent and actual conflict, illustrated by a case study. (JAC)

Notes the inconsistent findings that characterize research on marital instability and proposes several potential methodological sources of these inconsistencies. Presents an illustrative application to data from two recent national representative probability samples. (JAC)

Presents theoretical rationale, hypotheses, models, and methods and procedures of Georgia Centenarian Study, interdisciplinary study of oldest-old which began in 1988 to investigate adaptational characteristics of long-lived individuals. Introduces other articles in journal issue: first four reports of study, summarizing data collected in first…

Discusses literature on the physician-elderly patient-companion triad and proposes conceptual framework and methodological approach for understanding the companion's presence during the geriatric visit. Suggests agenda for both clinical and social science research. (Author)

Presents a theory of cognitive processing in counseling. Describes a research paradigm that considers cognitive processes and attempts to link such processes to the interactive behaviors of counselors and clients and to client learning outcomes. Considers methodological and conceptual issues related to the operationalization of this cognitive…

Discusses research in counseling and psychotherapy, analyzes and critiques the most popularly used meta-models, i.e. those that guide and delimit applied theory, and research. Develops and advocates the use of a systems paradigm for future research. (RC)

Notes that researchers are often required to examine specific model under two different situations. Cites studies in which authors compared results descriptively without use of inferential statistics. Describes use of series of regression tests to compare two situations statistically. Gives example from recent study to illustrate technique.…

Develops random-effects probit model for case in which outcome of interest is series of correlated binary responses, obtained as product of longitudinal response process where individual is repeatedly classified on binary outcome variable or in multilevel or clustered problems in which individuals within groups are considered to share…

Demonstrated how the ecosystem model can foster positive program change and provide administrators with information that can help them become advocates for disabled persons on college campuses. In the past, this approach has been useful for situations involving students. This study extended the value of this ecosystem approach to include faculty…

Examines methodological problems associated with analysis of event data by comparing five alternative statistical specifications: multiple regression, discriminant analysis, logistic regression, tobit regression, and event history analysis. Uses each procedure to estimate risk factors for out-of-home placement among children in families that…

Selectivity bias arises in program evaluation when the treatment or control status of the subjects is related to unmeasured characteristics that themselves are related to the program outcome under study. This situation has the potential to lead to an incorrect estimation of the treatment effect when assignment to treatment and control groups is…

Presents an analytical model for differentiating true clients from applicants in clinical social work practice. Society and the professions, and individuals and primary groups are discussed as structural determinants of clienthood. Social work practice is described as consisting of two major divisions: socialization and treatment. (NRB)