Analyzing Social and Political Change

`[A] valuable sourcebook.... It starts with a lucid introductory chapter by the editors in which they review the main benefits of using longitudinal data and describe the different sorts of such data that are becoming increasingly available, identifying the research questions each may address and the statistical methods appropriate to each. Chapter 2 by Davies is an elegant demonstration of the benefits of longitudinal over cross-sectional analysis, particularly in separating ageing and cohort effects. In each of the subsequent seven chapters a specific method of statistical analysis is presented, giving a worked example of how it can be used to investigate changes over time. Some are technically complex but the reader is ably assisted by the editors, who introduce each chapter with a few pages explaining the key points in an accessible way. Looking through these editorial guides will quickly establish which method is the most appropriate to the reader's research question and data. The book is an excellent resource for anyone wanting an update on developments in statistical techniques that help to unravel the complexities of social and political change' - Political Studies `The editors provide a solid introduction to each chapter. I found this useful particularly in those subjects where I am less familiar. There is an excellent index - something which is not a feature of all article collections.... a good knowledge of statistical theory is generally assumed, but this book should be in every institute library' - Participation `This volume covers many types of longitudinal data and statistical techniques for analyzing them. Does it manage to "build a bridge" between the advanced statistical techniques and the needs felt by the social researcher in his/her everyday practice? Yes, I think it does. The book is readable and one learns a lot' - Acta Sociologica 'There is much to recommend this book, especially to those who are interested in studying change processes....Provides a useful introduction to the problems and benefits associated with analysing longitudinal data in the social sciences' - Structural Equations Modeling