Newer statistical models, such as structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear modeling, require large sample sizes inappropriate for many research questions or unrealistic for many research arenas. How can researchers get the sophistication and flexibility of large sample studies without the requirement of prohibitively large samples? This book describes and illustrates statistical strategies that meet the sophistication/flexibility criteria for analyzing data from small samples of fewer than 150 cases. Contributions from some of the leading researchers in the field cover the use of multiple imputation software and how it can be used profitably with small data sets and missing data; ways to increase statistical power when sample size cannot be increased; and strategies for computing effect sizes and combining effect sizes across studies. Other contributions describe how to hypothesis test using the bootstrap; methods for pooling effect size indicators from single-case studies; frameworks for drawing inferences from cross-tabulated data; how to determine whether a correlation or covariance matrix warrants structure analysis; and what conditions indicate latent variable modeling is a viable approach to correct for unreliability in the mediator. Other topics include the use of dynamic factor analysis to model temporal processes by analyzing multivariate; time-series data from small numbers of individuals; techniques for coping with estimation problems in confirmatory factor analysis in small samples; how the state space model can be used with surprising accuracy with small data samples; and the use of partial least squares as a viable alternative to covariance-based SEM when the N is small and/or the number of variables in a model is large.

*The unrivaled SEM handbook, significantly revised: 60% new material includes 23 new chapters and 13 new topics. *A "one-stop shop" for researchers and graduate students seeking broad and deep coverage of SEM. *Expertly balances conceptual sophistication with accessible writing. *Editor, advisory board, and contributors are a who's who of leaders in the field. *International appeal--SEM is a hot topic worldwide, and chapter authors hail from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Europe, Australia, and Singapore.

How do individual differences interact with situational factors to shape social behavior? Are people with certain traits more likely to form lasting marriages; experience test-taking anxiety; break the law; feel optimistic about the future? This handbook provides a comprehensive, authoritative examination of the full range of personality variables associated with interpersonal judgment, behavior, and emotion. The contributors are acknowledged experts who have conducted influential research on the constructs they address. Chapters discuss how each personality attribute is conceptualized and assessed, review the strengths and limitations of available measures (including child and adolescent measures, when available), present important findings related to social behavior, and identify directions for future study.

Newer statistical models, such as structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear modeling, require large sample sizes inappropriate for many research questions or unrealistic for many research arenas. How can researchers get the sophistication and flexibility of large sample studies without the requirement of prohibitively large samples? This book describes and illustrates statistical strategies that meet the sophistication/flexibility criteria for analyzing data from small samples of fewer than 150 cases. Contributions from some of the leading researchers in the field cover the use of multiple imputation software and how it can be used profitably with small data sets and missing data; ways to increase statistical power when sample size cannot be increased; and strategies for computing effect sizes and combining effect sizes across studies. Other contributions describe how to hypothesis test using the bootstrap; methods for pooling effect size indicators from single-case studies; frameworks for drawing inferences from cross-tabulated data; how to determine whether a correlation or covariance matrix warrants structure analysis; and what conditions indicate latent variable modeling is a viable approach to correct for unreliability in the mediator. Other topics include the use of dynamic factor analysis to model temporal processes by analyzing multivariate; time-series data from small numbers of individuals; techniques for coping with estimation problems in confirmatory factor analysis in small samples; how the state space model can be used with surprising accuracy with small data samples; and the use of partial least squares as a viable alternative to covariance-based SEM when the N is small and/or the number of variables in a model is large.

Practical and up-to-date, Structural Equation Modeling includes chapters on major aspects of the structural equation modeling approach to research design and data analysis. Written by internationally recognized leaders in structural equation modeling, this book targets graduate students and seasoned researchers in the social and behavioral sciences who wish to understand the basic concepts and issues associated with the structural equation modeling approach and applications to research problems. Though technically sound, the chapters are primarily nontechnical in content and stylemaking the volume an excellent introduction to the structural equation modeling approach for readers studied in traditional inferential statistics. Early chapters are devoted to fundamental concepts such as estimation, fit, assumptions, power, and inference. Later chapters address such practical issues as the use of computer programs for applying the approach to research questions in the social and behavioral sciences.