What is the role of fit measures when respecifying a model? Should the means of the sampling distributions of a fit index be unrelated to the size of the sample? Is it better to estimate the statistical power of the chi-square test than to turn to fit indices? Exploring these and related questions, well-known scholars examine the methods of testing structural equation models (SEMS) with and without measurement error, as estimated by such programs as EQS, LISREL and CALIS.
This pioneering volume takes a family systems perspective to aid understanding, treating and preventing substance abuse. It explores a myriad of variables and each chapter includes a case study or vignette to highlight relevant individual and family life-cycle issues. Topics discussed include treating substance abuse across the life span, multicultural approaches and co-dependency. This challenging volume makes a major contribution to the substance abuse and family therapy fields.
The 1980s saw official crime policy in the United States shifting its focus from crime and criminals to victimization and victims. In this thought-provoking book, Robert Elias evaluates the effectiveness of this shift in policy and argues that victims have been politically manipulated for official objectives. From a thorough examination of victim legislation, get-tough crime policies, media crime coverage, the victim movement, and the wars on crime and drugs, Elias concludes that little victim support has actually occurred and that victimization is, in fact, escalating. He argues for a change in the structural sources of crime and proposes a `new culture' that could lead to substantially less crime.
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum is a national advocacy organization dedicated to promoting policy, program, and research efforts for improving the health status of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This book was stimulated by the ideas and efforts of the Forum's National Research Advisory Council (NRAC). First convened in April 1989, the NRAC was formed in response to the poor quality of data, the paucity of health statistics, and the limited epidemiological and health services research on Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. With partial support from the Federal Office of Minority Health, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum selected three editors noted for their contributions and past compilations of scholarly work. The Forum also commissioned contributors with demonstrated experience and commitment to advancing the understanding of Asian and Pacific Islander American health in the service, research, and policy sectors. This book is a milestone effort reflecting the Forum's commitment to (a) community-based research; (b) building linkages and collaborations between academic researchers, service providers, and policy-makers; (c) advocating for institutional sanctions on improving data sources and research on Asian and Pacific Islander Americans; and (d) the dissemination of relevant information to diverse communities nationwide.
The effective integration of traditional psychometric assessment and behavioural assessment, in research as well as in practice, is discussed in this detailed and critical review. The important questions of whether integration can improve the quality of the information collected, strengthen the validity of interpretations and improve reliability are also explored. Systematically examining both literatures, Silva shows how an integration of psychometric principles with behavioural assessment standards can have positive results. Beginning with a review of the origins of behavioural assessment through to current practices, Silva explores the arguments for and against integration. He goes on to discuss the possibility of a normative interpretation of behavioural assessment data and how recent advancements in the psychometric approach to reliability and validity can enhance behavioural assessment.
When using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) in an experimental design, how can the researcher determine whether to treat a factor as fixed or random? This book provides the reader with the criteria to make the distinction between fixed and random levels among factors, an important decision that directly reflects the purpose of the research. In addition to exploring the varied roles random factors can play in social research, the authors provide a discussion of the statistical analyses required with random factors and give an overview of computer-assisted analysis of random factor designs using SAS and SPSSX.
Using the 1992 presidential election as a case study, this book reveals how the American political process has been transformed by the use of marketing techniques. The author addresses issues of serious concern to the health of the political process including the role of polling, direct mail and television advertising. This is the first comprehensive account of the influence of marketing in a presidential election campaign.
The unique approach that this volume offers will help turn around the fear that many people have of public speaking and at the same time provide a step-by-step guide to successful speech making. The author has extensive experience as a teacher of public speaking and with her clear guidelines and logical sequence of chapters, no area is left uncovered. Each chapter explains the process, illustrates it with examples and provides skill-building exercises.
What is a philosophy of nursing? What is required for its development? How is it related to contemporary conceptualizations of nursing? Answers to these and other questions are pursued by leading nursing scholars in this important new book. It will help the researcher gain a better grasp of what it will take to establish a sound philosophical basis for the development of nursing practice, education, research and administration.
