Methodology in the Social Sciences Series

Planning effective research investigations requires sophisticated power analysis techniques. This book provides readers with clearly explained tools for using Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the needed sample sizes for adequate statistical power for a variety of modern research designs. Featuring step-by-step instructions, chapters move from simpler cross-sectional designs and path tracing rules to advanced longitudinal designs, while incorporating mediation, moderation, and missing data considerations. Worked-through applied examples with annotated Mplus and R syntax scripts, sample power analysis write-ups, and end-of-chapter suggested readings are also included. The companion website offers Mplus and R code for four additional power analysis models--latent variable moderation, discrete- and continuous-time survival analyses, cross-sectional and longitudinal two-level models, and moderated mediation--as well as supplemental computational materials.