We illustrate the idiographic/nomothetic debate by comparing 3 approaches to using daily self-report data on affect for predicting relationship quality and breakup. The 3 approaches included (a) the first day in the series of daily data; (b) the mean and variability of the daily series; and (c) parameters from dynamic factor analysis, a…

Sorting procedures are frequently adopted as an alternative to dissimilarity ratings to measure the dissimilarity of large sets of stimuli in a comparatively short time. However, systematic empirical research on the consequences of this experiment-design choice is lacking. We carried out a behavioral experiment to assess the extent to which…

Propensity score methods allow investigators to estimate causal treatment effects using observational or nonrandomized data. In this article we provide a practical illustration of the appropriate steps in conducting propensity score analyses. For illustrative purposes, we use a sample of current smokers who were discharged alive after being…

Two missing data procedures, both of which allow the subsequent use of discrete time survival analysis, are compared, and each is applied to each of two data sets. Results illustrate the advantages of multiple imputation over artificial censoring as an approach when there are intermittent missed assessments (missing data). (SLD)

Several methodological issues in the multidimensional scaling of coarse dissimilarities were studied, examining whether it was better to scale dissimilarity data directly or to scale a new matrix derived from the original by row comparisons. Findings support an alternative row-comparison measure based on the Jacard coefficient. (SLD)

Twenty-three different methods of cluster analysis were compared in a four-stage sequential validation design. Results demonstrated that the solution given by Ward's method of cluster analysis was particularly powerful in comparison to solutions yielded by other techniques. (Author/JKS)

The common marketing research practice of standardizing the columns of a persons-by-variables data matrix prior to clustering the entities corresponding to the rows was evaluated with 10 large-scale data sets. Results indicate that the column standardization practice may be problematic for some kinds of data that marketing researchers used for…

Alternative strategies for two-sample cross-validation of covariance structure models are described and investigated. Results of an empirical sampling study show that for tighter strategies simpler models are preferred in smaller samples, but when cross-validation is employed, a more complex model is supported even for small samples. (SLD)

Situations for which the researcher should use component analysis versus common factor analysis are discussed. Topics addressed include key algebraic similarities and differences, theoretical and practical issues, the factor indeterminacy issue, latent versus manifest variables, and differences between exploratory and confirmatory analysis…

The empirical performance under null/alternative hypotheses of the likelihood ratio difference test (LRDT); Lagrange Multiplier test (evaluating the impact of model modification with a specific model); and Wald test (using a general model) were compared. The new tests for covariance structure analysis performed as well as did the LRDT. (RLC)

The use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in assisting researchers to analyze decisions is discussed. The AHP is compared with other decision-analysis techniques, including multiattribute utility measurement, conjoint analysis, and general linear models. Insights that AHP can provide are illustrated with data gathered in an auditing context.…

A quantitative ethogram was developed for the zebra finch, using one-zero focal animal sampling on an ethologically comprehensive checklist of 52 behavioral items, and it was assessed for interobserver reliability and construct validity. Applying the quantitative methods of psychometrics allows verification of ethological theory and testing of…

The many methodological contributions of Raymond B. Cattell to multivariate analysis are discussed in terms of contemporary issues in structural equation modeling. His factor analytic approach is compared with current modeling practices. A critical evaluation finds much of Cattell's work still innovative, technically advanced, and valuable to…

Structure and intensity of naturally occurring and induced affect were studied with 244 university students and 1 employee in 2 studies using 2 methodological paradigms (dimensionality and classification) and 2 everyday contexts (lecture and television advertising). A circular structure of feeling was experienced during the lecture (naturally…