Choice Review

This very useful and easy-to-read book presents the basic and fundamental concepts of multivariate statistical techniques and measurement topics using simple and intuitive arguments, relying on as little mathematics and as few equations as possible. The only prerequisite is knowledge of univariate statistics. This volume is a follow-up to the editors' Reading and Understanding Multivariate Statistics (1995). Arranged in 11 chapters by several contributors, topics include multivariate statistics, reliability and generalizability theory, item response theory, assessment of the validity of measurement, cluster analysis, Q-technique factor analysis (one variation on the two-mode factor analysis of variables), structural equation modeling, canonical correlation analysis, repeated measures analyses (ANOVA, MNOVA, and HLM), and survival analysis. The various authors carefully describe research questions for which the discussed analysis is most appropriate, offer the underlying assumptions and rationale of the analysis, and state the logic behind interpreting results. The contributing authors and the editors have done an excellent job in keeping the theme and the spirit of this volume intact from page to page. Summary; further readings; useful glossary; informative chapter references. A valuable and interesting volume. Graduate students, researchers, and professionals. D. V. Chopra Wichita State University