NCJ Number
55188
Journal
Sociological Methods and Research Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1979) Pages: 305-329
Date Published
1979
Length
25 pages
Annotation
FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE TECHNIQUE FOR ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX CONTINGENCY TABLES ARE DISCUSSED. THE NEED TO BALANCE SUBSTANTIVE THEORY AND STATISTICAL THEORY IS EXPLAINED.
Abstract
THE TECHNIQUES DISCUSSED ARE GROUPED INTO THREE GENERAL CATEGORIES: REPRESENTATION OF THE DEPENDENT VARIABLE, INDEPENDENT VARIABLE MODELS, AND ESTIMATING PROCEDURES. THE FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED INVOLVE SUBSTANTIVE CONSIDERATIONS AND STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS. IT IS POINTED OUT THAT MANY DISCUSSIONS OF APPROACHES TO ANALYSIS FAIL TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THESE CONSIDERATIONS. DEPENDENT VARIABLE TECHNIQUES DESCRIBED INCLUDE THE LOG-LINEAR MODEL, THE UNCONDITIONAL PROPORTION, AND THE CONDITIONAL PROPORTION. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE MODELS INCLUDE BOTH HIERARCHICAL MODELS AND CONDITIONAL MODELS. THE ESTIMATING PROCEDURES INCLUDE USE OF MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD AND THE WEIGHTED LEAST SQUARES. FACTORS FAVORING THE WEIGHTED LEAST SQUARES APPROACH FOR MOST APPLICATIONS ARE DETAILED. CHARTS AND TABLES ILLUSTRATE THIS HIGHLY MATHEMATICAL DISCUSSION. NOTES AND REFERENCES ARE APPENDED. (GLR)