Interpreting Qualitative Data, 6th Edition
By David Silverman
Published December 2019 by SAGE Publications ($129.00 hardback; $45.99 paperback; e-books also available)
Students and researchers looking for foundational training in social science research design will find this book to be a useful and approachable resource. The book contains advice and examples, with supplementary online resources, such as videos and a hands-on workbook. Topics include fundamental definitions, research design, analysis, credibility, report-writing and ethical issues related to qualitative research. The book covers a wide variety of methods, from interviews to focus groups to document review. Additional consideration is devoted to the role of technology in capturing and analyzing data, and the use and misuse of various methods is discussed.
Multidimensional Item Response Theory
By Wes Bonifay
Published December 2019 by SAGE Publications ($22.00 paperback; e-books also available)
As the models for analyzing tests become increasingly sophisticated, theoretical and applied research on multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) has grown in kind. Extending beyond introductory IRT, this book covers the complexity of multidimensional models and connects it to unidimensional models such that it can be applied by those already familiar with IRT. The book includes practical examples, with illustrations and diagrams, as well as R code to accompany the discussion that will aid in interpretation, estimation and implementation of the relevant procedures for analysis.
Measurement Models for Psychological Attributes
By Klass Sijtsma and L.Andries van der Ark
Published February 2020 by Chapman and Hall/CRC Press ($199.95 hardback; $79.95 paperback; e-books also available)
These notable authors have compiled a comprehensive tome of measurement models for social, behavioral and health sciences. They have included common and infrequent models, ranging from classical test theory to item response theory, as well as factor models, latent class models, cognitive diagnostic models and network models. The book discusses advantages and disadvantages, appropriate use and relevant critique of the models mentioned. This book is suitable for advanced academics, researchers and students in wide variety of fields of study who are seeking clarity regarding applied psychometrics and measurement activities.
Probability and Bayesian Modeling
By Jim Albert and Jingchen Hu
Published December 2019 by Chapman and Hall/CRC Press ($99.95 hardback; e-books also available)
This introduction to probability and statistics provides a broad view of foundations, distributions, sampling, and then extends these fundamentals into Bayesian approaches to interferential statistics. Case studies accompany technical chapters, such as hierarchical and logistic regression models, using practical data to depict what is explained. This book outlines modern practices and strategies for applying Bayesian thinking, such as methods for incorporating priors and combining data from different groups. An R package, ProbBayes, accompanies the book and provides datasets to illustrate the concepts presented.
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Have you published a new psychological test or testing product; a book on advanced statistics, measurement or evaluation; an interesting website or other internet group related to measurement, statistics, or evaluation; or a computer program useful to Div. 5 membership? If so, we would like to include an announcement of about 100 words in the What’s New column. We would also appreciate any suggestions, or feedback, on how this section of the newsletter can better serve the Div. 5 membership. Please take the opportunity to share information with colleagues through your contributions to this column. Please send announcements and/or product literature to The Score associate editor, Joanna Solomon.
