Dynamic Analysis in the Social Sciences

The study of social dynamics using quantitative methodology is complex and calls for cutting-edge technical and methodological approaches in social science research. This book presents the existing statistical models and methods available for understanding social change over time. It provides step-by-step instructions for designing and conducting longitudinal research, with special focus on the longitudinal analysis of both quantitative outcomes (for the modeling of change in continuous variables) and qualitative outcomes (for the modeling of events occurring over time). Readers will learn how to study change in variables over time and how to formulate and estimate multivariate longitudinal models to predict such change, mainly using cross-sectional, cross-time and event history analyzes. This text also teaches how to design and implement a study using longitudinal data from the selection and collection of appropriate variables to the most effective ways to analyze and present data for publication in top social science journals.