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Overview
Random sampling and random assignment are considered by many researchers to be the definitive methodological procedures for maximizing external and internal validity. However, there is a daunting list of legal, ethical, and practical barriers to implementing random sampling and random assignment. While there are no easy ways to overcome these barriers, social workers should seek and utilize strategies that minimize sampling and assignment bias. These methodological and statistical strategies form the book's core.
In step-by-step chapters liberally illustrated with examples using a variety of software packages, Dattalo guides readers in selecting and implementing an appropriate strategy. Readers will gain confidence in using such techniques as exemplar sampling, sequential sampling, randomization tests, multiple imputation, mean-score logistic regression, partial randomization, constructed comparison groups, instrumental variables methods, and propensity scores. Each approach will be cataloged in such a way as to highlight its underlying assumptions, implementation strategies, and strengths and weaknesses.
Screen shots, annotated resources, and a companion website make this a valuable tool for students, teachers, and researchers seeking a single source that provides a diverse set of tools that will maximize a study's validity when random sampling and random assignment are neither possible nor practical.
Synopsis
Random sampling and random assignment are considered by many researchers to be the definitive methodological procedures for maximizing external and internal validity. However, there is a daunting list of legal, ethical, and practical barriers to implementing random sampling and random assignment. While there are no easy ways to overcome these barriers, social workers should seek and utilize strategies that minimize sampling and assignment bias. These methodological and statistical strategies form the book's core.
In step-by-step chapters liberally illustrated with examples using a variety of software packages, Dattalo guides readers in selecting and implementing an appropriate strategy. Readers will gain confidence in using such techniques as exemplar sampling, sequential sampling, randomization tests, multiple imputation, mean-score logistic regression, partial randomization, constructed comparison groups, instrumental variables methods, and propensity scores. Each approach will be cataloged in such a way as to highlight its underlying assumptions, implementation strategies, and strengths and weaknesses.
Screen shots, annotated resources, and a companion website make this a valuable tool for students, teachers, and researchers seeking a single source that provides a diverse set of tools that will maximize a study's validity when random sampling and random assignment are neither possible nor practical.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Diane M Tomasic, EdD, RN(Slippery Rock University )
Description:This book, one in a series of Pocket Guides to Social Work Research Methods, describes strategies for random sampling and random assignment. It includes an annotated bibliography for the first five chapters and free supplemental Internet resources.
Purpose:The purpose is to present the principles of random sampling and random assignment with the consideration of ethical and legal restrictions for the use of these strategies. Strategies are included when random sampling and random assignment are difficult to implement. The author is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Audience:The target audience is consumers and producers of social work research, but it also is helpful for those in other health-related disciplines.
Features:The book covers the basic concepts and assumptions of random sampling and random assignment. It presents statistical alternatives and methodological alternatives and supplements to random sampling and random assignment. It also describes the use of various software packages, using screen shots to demonstrate the use of the software.
Assessment:This should be useful to the target audience. The alternatives to random sampling and assignment are helpful, and the Internet resources should also be very helpful.
Editorials
Reviewer: Diane M Tomasic, EdD, RN(Slippery Rock University )
Description: This book, one in a series of Pocket Guides to Social Work Research Methods, describes strategies for random sampling and random assignment. It includes an annotated bibliography for the first five chapters and free supplemental Internet resources.
Purpose: The purpose is to present the principles of random sampling and random assignment with the consideration of ethical and legal restrictions for the use of these strategies. Strategies are included when random sampling and random assignment are difficult to implement. The author is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Audience: The target audience is consumers and producers of social work research, but it also is helpful for those in other health-related disciplines.
Features: The book covers the basic concepts and assumptions of random sampling and random assignment. It presents statistical alternatives and methodological alternatives and supplements to random sampling and random assignment. It also describes the use of various software packages, using screen shots to demonstrate the use of the software.
Assessment: This should be useful to the target audience. The alternatives to random sampling and assignment are helpful, and the Internet resources should also be very helpful.