Analysis and Measurement Theme Definition
The Analysis and Measurement (A&M) theme focuses on developing, evaluating, and refining methodologies and measurement approaches that advance research in psychological and behavioral sciences. A&M prioritizes the creation, evaluation, or refinement of approaches rather than merely the application of existing techniques. Researchers in this area may contribute to statistical modeling, psychometrics, research design, approaches for improving estimation and inference, and tools for implementing and communicating these advances. An overarching goal of A&M research is to match hypotheses to the quantitative and qualitative means for testing them, which often necessitates the development and refinement of new measurement tools and analytic techniques.
A non-exhaustive list of examples of research activities in which A&M members are engaged is given here:
- Statistical modeling: latent variable modeling, structural equation modeling, multilevel modeling, mixture modeling.
- Psychometrics and measurement: Classical test theory, item response theory, novel methods for evaluating validity and reliability, scale development.
- Research design: Power analysis, qualitative research study design.
- Estimation and inference: Missing data methods, Bayesian estimation, causal inference.
- Communication and dissemination of A&M advances: R package development, graphical data analysis, data processing pipelines.
A&M encompasses both theoretical and applied aspects of measurement, including the development, validation, and implementation of psychological and behavioral assessments. A&M research advances tools for assessment, estimation, inference, and validation to ensure that psychological and behavioral measures are accurate, interpretable, and replicable across diverse populations and study designs. A&M researchers take a multidisciplinary approach, with the broad goal of developing and enhancing quantitative and qualitative psychological and behavioral measurements in multiple fields. By integrating innovations in statistical methodology, measurement science, and rigorous qualitative inquiry, this work strengthens the validity, reliability, generalizability, and impact of psychological and behavioral research.