How can statistical approaches enhance transdisciplinary study of drug misuse prevention?
Application of statistical techniques in transdisciplinary research includes statistical model selection and model specification. This paper presents statistical models used in drug misuse prevention research. The historical roots of these models are discussed to illustrate the numerous disciplines from which different techniques originated. Single and multilevel approaches are described to illustrate methods of synthesizing perspectives from different scientific arenas. Using single-level approaches in transdisciplinary research, these models can easily incorporate broader theoretical considerations and more integrated hypotheses by representing each discipline with a set of variables. Simultaneous testing of every set of variables obtained from different disciplines may provide more comparable results to identify critical factors associated with substance-use behavior. Using multilevel approaches, more powerful syntheses across disciplines can be achieved by representing each discipline at a different level.
Chou
Chih-Ping
CP
Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Alhambra, California 91803, USA. cchou@usc.edu
Spruijt-Metz
Donna
D
Azen
Stan P
SP
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D015233:Models, Statistical; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*