What’s new in books

This book delves deep into the types of research questions that can be best addressed with structural equation modeling (SEM). It explores various types of SEM, focusing on composite-based SEM, in contrast to factor-based, variance- and covariance-based, and other latent variable models. These composite-based models are presented in the book with instructions about specifying, identifying, estimating, and assessing the models using various types of estimators. The book contains illustrated guides and accompanying datasets and syntax to provide hands-on tutorials, as well as presentation slides to assist in using this text for graduate-level instruction.

The Problem with Science: The Reproducibility Crisis and What to do about it
By R. Baker Bausell
Published February 2021 by Oxford University Press ($39.95 hardback; e-book also available)

Based on empirical evidence, this book covers the on-going concerns within science, and specifically the field of psychology, about the reproducibility of published research. It is a comprehensive text that outlines the issues, and it could serve as a useful tool for instruction about the concept of reproducing research. Contents include facilitators and contributing factors that led to this crisis, such as publication bias, questionable research practices, and false positives. The book contains considerable discussion of strategies to address these concerns, recommendations to avoid repeating these errors, and an emphasis on how published research can work to resolve the crisis.

Introduction to Intersectional Qualitative Researchopens in new window
By Jennifer Esposito and Venus Evans-Winters
Published by May 2021 by Sage Publishing ($60 paperback)

This book serves as an introduction to students and researchers for qualitative research design, data collection, and analysis, with considerations for intersectionality throughout. The authors discuss their shared expertise and research regarding race and gender, and, in particular, how racism and sexism might present during the research process. Each chapter contains narratives, examples, and discussion questions to facilitate growth and conversation in classroom settings or in one’s own research practice. Ethics of intersectionality, the theory of qualitative research, and practical analysis skills discussed, among other chapters that new researchers may find useful.

Measurement Theory in Action: Case Studies and Exercises
By Kenneth S. Shultz, David J. Whitney, and Michael J. Zickar
Published December 2020 by Routledge ($160 hardback; $59.95 paperback; e-book also available)

In this book, readers will learn to apply testing and measurement theories through 22 modules. Instructors will find organized modules to guide coursework, each containing an overview of a particular measurement issue followed by a step-by-step application guide. Best practices are discussed throughout, along with practical questions to help assess comprehension. Exercises are included to practice what is taught, relying on a mix of theoretical problem-solving and technical skills through statistical software. There are case studies provided to depict common issues and guide readers to resolutions. The book is accompanied by datasets, additional exercises, and slide decks to aid instruction.

Guidelines for the ‘What’s New?’ column

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.