This accessible introduction to data analysis focuses on the interpretation of statistical results, in particular those which come from nonexperimental social research. It will provide social science researchers with the tools necessary to select and evaluate statistical tests appropriate for their research question. Using a consistent data-set throughout the book to illustrate the various analytic techniques, Michael Lewis-Beck covers topics such as: univariate statistics; measures of association; the statistical significance of the relationship between two variables; simple regression in which the dependent variable is influenced by a single independent variable; and multiple regression.
Using the results of a participant observation study, Robyn M Holmes illustrates how young children learn about ethnic identity. Unlike many previous studies, performed in experimental and contrived settings, the author worked with children in a kindergarten environment. The resulting account uses the children's own words and drawings to illustrate their beliefs and understanding about race and ethnicity. Particular issues addressed include: how children understand group boundaries; view their selves; and develop an ethnic component of friendship, romance and procreation.
Social, Organizational, and Goal-Based Perspectives
A social-psychological model of organizational appraisal processes which emphasizes the goals pursued by raters, ratees and other users of performance appraisal is described in this book. The authors suggest ways in which this goal-oriented perspective might be applied in developing, implementing and evaluating performance appraisal systems. The model emphasizes the context in which appraisal occurs and takes as a starting point the assumption that many of the apparent shortcomings of performance are, in fact, sensible adaptations to the various requirements, pressures and demands of that context.
What is chaos? How can it be measured? How are the models estimated? What is catastrophe? How is it modelled? How are the models estimated? These questions are the focus of this volume. Beginning with an explanation of the differences between deterministic and probabilistic models, Brown then introduces the reader to chaotic dynamics. Other topics covered are finding settings in which chaos can be measured, estimating chaos using nonlinear least squares and specifying catastrophe models. Finally a nonlinear system of equations that models catastrophe using real survey data is estimated.
Addressing many of the primary conceptual frameworks and theories in nursing, Foundations of Nursing Theory offers concise, informative descriptions of nursing's philosophical origins. The book, a compliation of volumes from SAGE's acclaimed Notes on Nursing Theories series, not only assays the development, assumptions, and broad applications of each nursing theory but also provides specific examples of how it relates to both research and practice.
Seventeen thought-provoking essays in this sophisticated yet accessible reader demonstrate how political scientists conduct research on law, courts, and the judicial process, and at the same time answer interesting, substantive questions. Illustrating the breadth and depth of judicial politics studies, the essays convey to students the array of contemporary thinking -- both theoretical and methodological -- at work in the field. The book's five parts cover subjects taught in most judicial politics courses. Because each chapter stands alone, instructors have the flexibility of assigning less than the whole book or chapters in a different order. Topics examined range from information used by voters electing judges to the credibility of victims of sexualized violence. Accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students, Contemplating Courts offers fascinating views into both the law and courts field and the research process itself. Epstein provides in the first chapter an overview of the key elements of judicial process research and defines key terms. Technical notes and methodology appendices offer students additional guidance.
A detailed index to the provisions of the Constitution, plus texts of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are provided, as well as a glossary of terms that helps clarify the terminology used in the Constitution. ''
This comprehensive handbook will provide nurses and other health-care professionals with a major new resource on women's health issues The handbook opens with a presentation of vital demographics, examining women's health within specific age groups. Next, the contributors deal with nursing and health-care practice, beginning with an examination of women's experiences as recipients of health care, and then moving on to establish frameworks for the practice and assessment of the healthy woman. Chapters on health-care promotion for women address such topics as nutrition, exercise and fertility control in terms of current theory and research. The handbook ends with an examination of the common health problems women experience such as violence, substance abuse, high-risk childbearing and reproductive surgery.
Many adolescents in the United States are at risk from substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices, academic underachievement, crime and violence. What can be done to tackle these growing problems? The author of this thought-provoking book suggests the need to focus on young people's development in relation to specific features of the individual's environmental 'context' such as family, neighbourhood and culture. By effecting changes in these contexts, in the form of community programmes, researchers can test for differences in children's behaviour and development.
