UNIFYING QUANTITATIVE METHODOLOGY UNIFYING QUANTITATIVE METHODOLOGY IN SOCIAL RESEARCH

A case is made for representing quantitative methods in use in the social sciences within a unified framework based on structural equation methodology (SEM). Most of the methods now in use are shown in their SEM representation. It is suggested that the visual and verbal representations of SEM are of most use, while specific estimation and hypothesis testing methods play a lesser role. The change to a common verbal and visual representation for quantitative methods allows better understanding of quantitative methods for students, easier communication among researchers, and new improvements in quantitative approaches to social research. (Contains 8 figures and 15 references.) (Author/SLD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document