Theory-Based Data Analysis for the Social Sciences - Aneshensel, Carol S.

. .

Résumé :
Carol S. Aneshensel's Second Edition of Theory-Based Data Analysis for the Social Sciences presents the elaboration model for the multivariate analysis of observational quantitative data. Two complementary strategies are used: an exclusionary strategy and an inclusive strategy. The primary emphasis is on the translation of theory into a logical analytic strategy and the interpretation of results. The elaboration model is applied with case studies drawn from newly published research serving as prototypes for aligning theory and the data analytic plan used to test it. The second application of the elaboration model is in the form of original data analysis presented in two Analysis Journals that are integrated throughout the text and implement the full elaboration model. Using real data, not contrived examples, the text provides a step-by-step guide through the process of integrating theory with data analysis in order to arrive at meaningful answers to research questions.

Biographie:
Carol S. Aneshensel is a sociologist (Ph.D., Cornell University) and Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. She specializes in the fields of the sociology of mental health and medical sociology, with an emphasis on the social origins of stress and its impact on depression. She has been Principal Investigator for numerous studies funded by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Mental Health. She has published more than 75 peer-review journal articles and several books, including her work as lead editor of the Handbook of the Sociology of Mental Health, Second Edition (Springer, 2012). She has received awards for distinguished contributions from the Sociology of Mental Health and Medical Sociology sections of the American Sociological Association (ASA). Theory-Based Data Analysis for the Social Sciences received Honorable Mention for Best Publication in 2003 from the Sociology of Mental Health section, ASA.

Sommaire:
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Part I. Conceptual Foundations of the Elaboration Model
Chapter 1. Introduction to Theory-Based Data Analysis
Chapter 2. The Logic of Theory-Based Data Analysis
Chapter 3. Relationships as Associations
Chapter 4. The Focal Relationship: Causal Inference
Part II. Regression with Simple Random Samples and Complex Samples
Chapter 5. The Elaboration Model With Multiple Linear Regression
Chapter 6. Regression With Survey Data From Complex Samples
Part III. The Elaboration Model With Multiple Linear Regression
Chapter 7. Ruling Out Alternative Explanations: Spuriousness and Control Variables
Chapter 8. Ruling Out Alternative Theoretical Explanations: Rival Independent Variables
Chapter 9. Elaborating the Focal Relationship: Mediation and Intervening Variables
Chapter 10. Elaborating the Focal Relationship: Antecedent and Consequent Variables
Chapter 11. Specifying Conditions of Influence: Moderating Variables
Part IV. The Elaboration Model With Logistic Regression
Chapter 12. The Elaboration Model With Logistic Regression
Part V. Conclusion
Chapter 13. Synthesis and Comments
Glossary
References
Abbreviations
Index

This text does a superb job of explaining critical concepts such as mediation, moderation, spuriousness, and control variable, using graphic illustrations as well as published articles as examples. I think the illustrated examples are really helpful for illuminating these concepts. Furthermore, the majority of empirical research in the social behavioral sciences utilizes regression, logistic regression, and path analysis. The book discusses many empirical articles utilizing these analytic approaches as examples. Thus, the contents of this book are highly relevant and understandable for those in early stages of research training.