Graham Dunn

The statistical methods used to evaluate and compare different methods of measurement are a vital common component of all methods of scientific research. This book provides a practically orientated guide to the statistical models used in the evaluation of measurement errors with a wide variety of illustrative examples taken from across the sciences. After introducing basic concepts, such as precision, reproducibility and reliability, a detailed discussion of the sources of variability of measurements and associated variance components models is provided. The central chapters deal with the design and analysis of method comparison studies (concentrating primarily on quantitative measurements) ranging from simple paired comparisons to more complex studies involving three or more methods. This leads on to a review of methods for categorical measures.

Multivariate analysis plays an important role in the understanding of complex data sets requiring simultaneous examination of all variables. Breaking through the apparent disorder of the information, it provides the means for both describing and exploring data, aiming to extract the underlying patterns and structure. This intermediate-level textbook introduces the reader to the variety of methods by which multivariate statistical analysis may be undertaken. Now in its 2nd edition, 'Applied Multivariate Data Analysis' has been fully expanded and updated, including major chapter revisions as well as new sections on neural networks and random effects models for longitudinal data. Maintaining the easy-going style of the first edition, the authors provide clear explanations of each technique, as well as supporting figures and examples, and minimal technical jargon. With extensive exercises following every chapter, 'Applied Multivariate Data Analysis' is a valuable resource for students on applied statistics courses and applied researchers in many disciplines.

The role and importance of measurement in scientific psychiatry is difficult to over-stress. It is a field where there is a fruitful interplay between the ideas typical of the 'medical model' of disease and those coming from the psychometric traditions of, say, educationalists or personality theorists. The style of this important text is problem-based rather then technique-led, thus encouraging thought in the use of statistical techniques, rather than a heavy reliance on formulae.