Dr. Karen Randolph, and coauthor Dr. Laura Myers’s book Basic Statistics in Multivariate Analysis was recently published by Oxford University Press.  The book introduces readers to three multivariate analytical methods (i.e., linear regression, analysis of variance and covariance, and path analysis) with a focus on the basic statistics that support these methods.  The book is a part of a series entitled Pocket Guides of Social Work Research Methods. The editor of the series is Dr. Tony Tripodi.  

Dr. Randolph is an Associate Professor and Agnes Flaherty Stoops Professor in Child Welfare as well as Director of the Doctoral Program at the FSU College of Social Work and Dr. Laura Myers is an Associate Professor and Director of the BSW Program at Florida A&M University.

Interview with Dr. Karen Randolph About Her Book

If you had to sum up your background and experiences that helped you prepare for writing this book?

Dr. Randolph: Through my own process of learning  multivariate  statistical methods I came to understand how important it is to have a thorough understanding of basic statistics, such as the mean and the variance. These basic statistics provide the foundation for the more complex methods.  Also, my experience as an educator in the College’s doctoral program reinforced the importance of having a strong background in basic statistics as a way to reduce student anxiety and intimidation about using more advanced statistical methods in studying problems that are important to social workers. 

What is the key point you wish to address in your book? 

Dr. Randolph: The focus of this book is to offer opportunities for readers, particularly entry-level doctoral students and early-career social work researchers to strengthen their skills  in basic statistics and related statistical procedures so that they are well-prepared to utilize the multivariate analytical methods of linear regression, analysis of variance and covariance, and path analysis.. 

Are there other books on the topic? And if yes, what is new or different about your book?

Dr. Randolph: There are several books on statistics. What is unique about our book is our emphasis on clarifying the connection between basic statistics and multivariate methods. Another unique feature is that the book is written specifically for doctoral students and early career researchers who may not have a strong statistical background. Finally, we provide examples from the social work research literature that are of interest to social work researchers and practitioners.

The book offers a companion website that provides detailed instructions for conducting each procedure, as well as data sets and worked examples. This gives readers an experiential opportunity to learn these methods.  It is available through the publisher Oxford University Press at http://www.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780199764044/.

What do you hope will be the main take away for someone reading this book?

Dr. Randolph: The process of conducting advanced statistical methods can be less intimating and more doable if one has  a  thorough understanding of the  basics and a recognition that multivariate methods simply build on these basics.

Can you speak about the process of writing the book?

Dr. Randolph: First, I sought consultation from several well-respected social work researchers to develop and flesh out the ideas for the book. I then approached Dr. Myers about being a co-author. She agreed and then we developed and submitted a proposal for the book to Dr. Tripodi, the series editor of Pocket Guides to Social Work Research Methods. After the proposal was accepted, it was simply a matter of engaging in disciplined writing—setting deadlines, planning writing times, and actually writing, reviewing, and re-writing. I broke the writing process down into small, daily goals and sought to meet these goals. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a one-semester sabbatical by the university during the time I was writing the book  so most of the writing was done  during my  sabbatical.

To reach Dr. Randolph directly, contact her at krandolph@fsu.edu.

To learn more about the book Basic Statistics in Multivariate Analysis visit Oxford University Press or get your copy on Amazon for only $37.50.