A wide variety of methodological choices and situations can affect the quality of peer nomination measurements but have not received adequate study. This article begins by focusing on systematic nominator missingness as an example of one such situation. We reanalyzed findings from a recent study by Bukowski, Dirks, Commisso, Velàsquez, and Lopez…

Missing data are ubiquitous in studies examining preventive interventions. This missing data need to be handled appropriately for data analyses to yield unbiased results. After a brief discussion of missing data mechanisms, inappropriate missing data treatments and appropriate missing data treatments, we review the current state of missing data…

This study investigates the performance of robust maximum likelihood (ML) estimators when fitting and evaluating small sample latent growth models with non-normal missing data. Results showed that the robust ML methods could be used to account for non-normality even when the sample size is very small (e.g., N < 100). Among the robust ML…

We revisit the merits of the retrospective pretest-posttest (RPP) design for repeated-measures research. The underutilized RPP method asks respondents to rate survey items twice during the same posttest measurement occasion from two specific frames of reference: "now" and "then." Individuals first report their current attitudes…

Following the onset of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, daily life significantly changed for the population. Accordingly, researchers interested in examining patterns of change over time may now face discontinuities around the pandemic. Researchers collecting in-person longitudinal data also had to cancel or delay data…

Missing data are a persistent problem in psychological research. Peer nomination data present a unique missing data problem, because a nominator's nonparticipation results in missing data for other individuals in the study. This study examined the range of effects of systematic nonparticipation on the correlations between peer nomination data when…

We examine the performance of planned missing (PM) designs for correlated latent growth curve models. Using simulated data from a model where latent growth curves are fitted to two constructs over five time points, we apply three kinds of planned missingness. The first is item-level planned missingness using a three-form design at each wave such…

Utilizing planned missing data (PMD) designs (ex. 3-form surveys) enables researchers to ask participants fewer questions during the data collection process. An important question, however, is just how few participants are needed to effectively employ planned missing data designs in research studies. This article explores this question by using…

We present a new paradigm that allows simplified testing of multiparameter hypotheses in the presence of incomplete data. The proposed technique is a straight-forward procedure that combines the benefits of two powerful data analytic tools: multiple imputation and nested-model ?2 difference testing. A Monte Carlo simulation study was conducted to…

We examine longitudinal extensions of the two-method measurement design, which uses planned missingness to optimize cost-efficiency and validity of hard-to-measure constructs. These designs use a combination of two measures: a "gold standard" that is highly valid but expensive to administer, and an inexpensive (e.g., survey-based)…

This study was designed to (1) gather Australian data on the Toddler Temperament Scale (TTS), (2) assess age differences on temperament in the one- to three-year-old group; (3) assess the psychometric properties of the TTS; and (4) consider some issues of concurrent validity in the measurement of temperament and behavioral adjustment. (Author)

The effects of sampling biases upon research studies requiring different time commitments of Ss in mother-infant studies were examined. Twenty mothers who participated in 35 hours of observation were compared with 17 mothers who refused to participate but completed a questionnaire. Questionnaire responses did not differentiate the two groups.…

Researchers from 18 different countries as well as representatives of UNICEF and UNESCO attended a conference on international perspectives in child development and social policy. Topics discussed included knowledge and ideology, goals of different social groups, communication problems, and the relationship of research to practice. Bibliographic…

Argues that developmental psychology remains parochial in spite of increased cross-cultural developmental research. Reviews research and theories dealing with cognitive development in childhood and adolescence. Contributions outside Piagetian and Vygotskian traditions are outlined along with suggestions for further research on emotional…

Examines difficulties associated with the use of conversational features in the analysis of mother-infant vocalization episodes. Observations of six mother-infant dyads revealed difficulties involving (1) pooling of data; (2) the unit of analysis; and (3) selection of appropriate "expected" values for dyadic parameters used in tests of…