In this volume the underlying logic and practice of maximum likelihood (ML) estimation is made clear by providing a general modelling framework that utilizes the tools of ML methods. This framework offers readers a flexible modelling strategy since it accommodates cases from the simplest linear models to the most complex nonlinear models that link a system of endogenous and exogenous variables with non-normal distributions. Using examples to illustrate the techniques of finding ML estimators and estimates, Eliason discusses: what properties are desirable in an estimator; basic techniques for finding ML solutions; the general form of the covariance matrix for ML estimates; the sampling distribution of ML estimators; the application of ML in the normal distribution as well as in other useful distributions; and some helpful illustrations of likelihoods.
Bootstrapping, a computational nonparametric technique for `re-sampling', enables researchers to draw a conclusion about the characteristics of a population strictly from the existing sample rather than by making parametric assumptions about the estimator. Using real data examples from per capita personal income to median preference differences between legislative committee members and the entire legislature, Mooney and Duval discuss how to apply bootstrapping when the underlying sampling distribution of the statistics cannot be assumed normal, as well as when the sampling distribution has no analytic solution. In addition, they show the advantages and limitations of four bootstrap confidence interval methods: normal approximation, percentile, bias-corrected percentile, and percentile-t. The authors conclude with a convenient summary of how to apply this computer-intensive methodology using various available software packages.
Non-linear analysis of categorical variables, that is, a variable that can sort objects into a limited number of distinct groups called `categories', is a useful technique for social scientists, particularly those who do survey research. This book introduces the reader to the application of a particular approach to categorical analysis, the GIFI system, or multiple correspondence analysis. Using illustrative examples from a variety of disciplines, van de Geer shows how to perform these techniques using standard computer programs, such as SPSS. The book explains when to use particular programs, what conditions need to be met for effective use of each program, and how to interpret the results based on the use of each of these programs. Detailed examples are used throughout the book to enable the reader to comprehend what is `going on behind' the computer program.
Until recently, race relations research has been an understudied and stigmatized area of the social sciences. This volume traces its emergence as a central topic, highlighting the major milestones that established it as a legitimate research domain. The contributors, key figures in the post-war development of United States race research, relate their own experiences with race and racism and the developing interest in the understanding of race as a social force, giving the reader an insider's view of the field.
What quality control methods can be used most effectively to structure and monitor interviews and convert refusals? What telephone numbers should be used in random digit dialling? How can eligible respondents be chosen and their cooperation secured? Addressing these and other survey issues, this book offers researchers a guide to thinking about and executing telephone surveys from generating phone numbers to structuring the work of interviewers and supervisors. New to this edition are a focus on the total survey error concept, a comparison of CATI (computer-assisted telephone interviews) with PAPI (paper and pencil inventory) procedures, mixed-mode surveys and new telecommunication technologies. In addition, the book covers such topics as how to control the sampling pool, how to identify appropriate respondents and how to improve on-the-job training of interviewers.
While there is an evident trend towards increasing legal responses to wife assault in North America, any change that has occurred has met with controversy, and the challenge remains to improve the circumstances of battered women. This book offers in-depth coverage of four major themes that address this issue: the historical framework of legal responses to wife assault; police attitudes and action; prosecution, mediation and treatment within the court system; and victims as defendants and participants in the legal system. Each chapter examines past and present policies of a specific branch of the legal system, and discusses their merits and demerits.
While much has been written on alternative paradigm research, there is little concrete advice on how to effectively use the theoretical notions of naturalistic inquiry in practice. Doing Naturalistic Inquiry is the practical guide designed to help beginning researchers apply the constructivist paradigm. Based upon the theoretical work of Lincoln and Guba in developing the naturalistic-or constructivist--paradigm, Erlandson and his colleagues show readers how these ideas shape the practice of conducting alternative paradigm research. The book covers the research process from design through data collection analysis and presentation and examines important issues generally minimized in positivist research texts ethics, trustworthiness, and authenticity. Cases from a wide variety of disciplines demonstrate the efficacy of the methods described. Doing Naturalistic Inquiry is a highly useful teaching tool for anyone using a constructivist lens on research.
Rape is probably the most misunderstood of violent crimes. The dynamics related to both rapists and rape victims are explored in this volume, which dispels many mistaken beliefs about rape by synthesizing current research from a psychological perspective. Among the topics explored are: that only a very small proportion of rapists are ever convicted; that when an accusation of rape is made, it is the victim who too often becomes the focus of attention; and that while the stereotype of the rapist as a madman, a stranger to the victim, is still prevalent, most rapes are committed by someone known to the victim.
This is the first volume on social support from a nursing perspective. The author documents nursing's contribution to the field and analyzes current conceptual controversies. She emphasizes the necessity for a social support based framework and proposes a psychosocial model of health care delivery that incorporates environment, nursing and health and that regards patients as partners, families as allies.
