In the educational research literature, alpha and p are often conflated. Paradoxically, alpha retains a prominent place in textbook discussions, but it is often supplanted by p in the results sections of journal articles. Because alpha and p have unique uses, researchers should continue to employ both conventions in summarizing the outcomes of…

Notes that family researchers are increasingly using panel data to investigate family processes. To aid family researchers in understanding panel analysis, focuses on two panel analysis strategies--structural equation model techniques and methods of event history analysis. Several additional methods of analyzing panel data are also briefly…

Introduces statistical and procedural methods of meta-analysis, and explains how to interpret the findings of meta-analytic studies currently appearing throughout the social science literature. Includes overview of meta-analysis and discussion of seven steps used in conducting a meta-analysis. (Author/NB)

Discusses appropriate statistical analysis of clinical data based on ordinal categorical outcome scales. Chi-square analysis is called inappropriate for testing superiority of one therapy over another when outcome is ordinal categorical. Emphasizes estimation of clinically informative effect sizes after statistical significance has been attained…

Describes two strategies for assessing measures of practical fit and the goodness of fit from structural equation models. Focuses on linear structural relations (LISREL), chi-square fit index, practical fit indices, and hierarchical analyses. Includes empirical example of hierarchical model procedures used with practical and statistical indices to…

Tells how to conduct a meta-analysis study, and refers readers to information about refinements of the techniques. A simple meta-analysis is presented. Describes three fundamental stages to conducting a meta-analysis: (1) literature review; (2) calculation of effect sizes; and (3) analysis of data. (Author/NB)

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)

Asserts that, despite its growing popularity, there still exists confusion about the nature and proper use of logistic regression in family studies. Presents nontechnical discussion of logistic regression, with illustrations and comparisons to better-known procedures. Concludes that logistic regression can be powerful statistical procedure when…

Briefly describes core ideas behind LISREL (linear structural relationship) approach for studying structural models. Addresses some common issues with which family investigators deal, focusing on problems that researchers often face; questions they raise; and decisions they need to make in the process of model specification, estimation,…

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…

R. Zubir and M. Pope (1984) and K. Howe (1985, 1988) have argued against the "tyranny of methodological dogma" and that the division between quantitative psychometric and qualitative phenomenological and anthropological traditions is unnecessary. The postmodern self-consciousness of educational research has resulted in the realization that there…

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…

Describes and contrasts philosophical and methodological assumptions, goals, and data collection methods of qualitative and quantitative approaches to research on college student behavior. Provides brief illustrations of two qualitative studies of college students using interview methods, ethnomethodology, and conversation analysis. (Author/NB)

Discusses current practices for statistical assessments of employment discrimination and suggests nonstatistical techniques that can be used to aid in interpreting results of statistical analyses. The techniques incorporate principles of Boolean algebra and allow holistic comparison of categories of similarly situated individuals. (CMG)

Reviews application of causal modeling in family research. Discusses uses of and critics' views of causal modeling to explain reasons for controversial position of causal modeling in social sciences. Reviews requirements for effectively implementing causal modeling strategy, commenting on some attempts of family researchers to use it. Includes…