Examines and rejects common criticisms of the causality concept; shows causality is a relation implied in the grammar of a language about objects. Discusses objective criteria for concepts of causal relations and explains how the concept of causality may be modified to have causes determine probabilities of outcomes. (Author/RH)

Provides a set of guidelines for evaluating research using structural equation modeling (SEM). Offers insight into how someone familiar with SEM would judge the adequacy of a study using such methods. (Author/RH)

A total of 61 children from first through sixth grades participated in four balance-scale and four inclined-plane problem types in a study testing for invariance of subject classifications as rule-users across problems whose products differed but whose type did not. Results indicated that many children's classifications differed across…

Demonstrates ways in which conclusions about models may be affected by violations of the assumption that the observed variables are normally distributed. Addresses the issue of the robustness of findings obtained under such conditions. (Author/RH)

Challenges the typical treatment of causal effects in longitudinal data, arguing that models should be conceptualized and tested in ways that directly reflect prior assumptions as to the trait- or state-like nature of the variables. Examples demonstrate that meaningful longitudinal studies of state variables can be conducted without assuming their…

Introduces structural modeling with nonnormal continuous variables, using the equations language of the micro-mainframe program EQS in the context of a longitudinal study of adolescent development that followed about 700 adolescents across an 8-year span into young adulthood. Two models are developed to assess the influence of drug use on…

Considers problems which arise when researchers do not have the optimally large sample sizes desired in structural equation modeling. Discusses the ways in which small sample size affects assessment of model fit. Provides a new estimator that may be beneficial for use in small-sample situations. (Author/RH)

Multiple discriminant function analysis was conducted with data from Strange Situations. Results enable researchers to obtain attachment classifications directly from scores on interactive behavior and crying during reunion episodes. (PCB)

Defines structural equation modeling (SEM) and points out its relation to other more familiar data-analytic techniques, as well as some of the potentials and pitfalls of SEM in the analysis of developmental data. Discussion focuses on causal modeling, path diagrams, ordinary least-squares regression analysis, and powerful methods for model…

Lists three criteria that can codetermine whether a new methodological technique is embraced by developmental researchers. Criteria include theoretical and methodological zeitgeist, conceptual and functional accessibility, and perspective enhancement. Using these criteria, evaluates the potential impact of structural equation modeling. (Author/RH)

Provides an overview of the issue's special section on structural equation modeling, indicating what the section contains and what it omits. (Author/RH)

This rejoinder to McCall (Volume 56, 217-218) discusses the differences in viewpoint with respect to the relationship between models and theory, the notion of "direct" tests of propositions, and the use of measures of explained variance to evaluate model performance. (Author/BE)

Asserts that family sociologists lost interest in children in the postwar period and discusses reasons for the disinterest. Influences breaking down the division of labor between psychologists and sociologists are described. Characteristics of the studies in the present volume are pointed out. (RH)

This introduction to a special section on psychobiological studies of stress and coping discusses the problems of interpreting and integrating information on stress reactivity derived from a combination of behavioral and physiological measures. (PCB)

Advances in the neurosciences have created exciting possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The benefits of and barriers to collaboration with developmental psychology are discussed in this introduction to a special section of Child Development. (BN)