Statistical Power Analysis for Intensive Longitudinal Studies

Presenters: Jean-Philippe Laurenceau and Niall Bolger

Date: June 29 – 30, 2017

Venue: Penn State, University Park, PA

Workshop information

This workshop will provide a practical guide to conducting power analyses for studies using daily diaries, ambulatory assessments, ecological momentary assessments, experience sampling and related research designs. Power analysis for such designs is complex because one must specify both the number of subjects (e.g., persons, dyads) and the number of time points. In this workshop we will focus on power calculation for two important types of research questions. The first concerns how to model a within-subject causal process that specifies an X→Y relationship. The second concerns how to model a within-subject causal mediation process that specifies an X→M→Y relationship. Although portions of the workshop will be based on our 2013 book, Intensive Longitudinal Methods: An Introduction to Diary and Experience Sampling Research (Guilford Press), we will not assume that participants have prior experience with statistical power analysis.

Computer requirements

Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop so that they can participate in computer exercises and analyze data. To conduct analyses at the workshop, Mplus 7 or higher and SAS or SPSS must be installed on the laptop prior to arrival. There will be computer exercises using Mplus.

Topics covered

Introduction to power analysis
Power analysis for within-subject X→Y and X→M→Y causal processes using intensive longitudinal data
How to design adequately powered studies of within-subject processes

In addition to the above, there will be open discussion times, question/answer periods, and the (optional) opportunity to consult briefly with workshop presenters on your own intensive longitudinal research designs and topics.

How to attend

Enrollment is limited to 35 participants to maintain an informal atmosphere and to encourage interaction between and among the presenters and participants. We give priority to individuals who are involved in drug abuse prevention and treatment research or HIV research, who have the appropriate statistical background to get the most out of the Institute, and for whom the topic is directly and immediately relevant to their current work. We also aim to maximize geographic and minority representation.

APPLICATIONS ARE NO LONGER BEING ACCEPTED. Applications to the 2017 Summer Institute were due by Friday, March 17, 2017. Applicants will be notified about decisions by Monday, April 3.

Once accepted, participants will be emailed instructions about how to register. The registration fee of $95 for the two-day Institute covers all instruction, program materials, and breakfast and lunch each day. A block of rooms at the Nittany Lion Inn will be available for lodging. Further information will be sent after acceptance to the Institute.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers for conducting exercises.

Presenters

Jean-Philippe Laurenceau, Ph.D.

Jean-Philippe Laurenceau, Ph.D., is the Unidel A. Gilchrist Sparks III Chair and Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, and Senior Research Scientist, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute.

Dr. Laurenceau’s research interests focus on understanding the processes by which partners in marital and romantic relationships develop and maintain intimacy. His methodological interests include intensive longitudinal methods for studying close relationship processes and applications of modern methods for the analysis of change in individuals and dyads. He co-authored the 2013 book, Intensive Longitudinal Methods: An Introduction to Diary and Experience Sampling Research, with his co-presenter, Dr. Bolger.

Niall Bolger, Ph.D.

Niall Bolger, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology, Columbia University.

Dr. Bolger’s research interests include (a) adjustment processes in close relationships, which he studies using intensive longitudinal methods and laboratory-based studies of dyadic behavior, emotion and physiology; (b) personality processes as they are revealed in patterns of behavior, emotion and physiology in daily life; and (c) statistical methods for analyzing longitudinal and multilevel data. He teaches courses on linear and mixed models and on research methods in social psychology. He is the former chair of Columbia University’s Psychology Department. He co-authored the 2013 book, ntensive Longitudinal Methods: An Introduction to Diary and Experience Sampling Research, with his co-presenter, Dr. Laurenceau.

Location

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park campus

Funding

Funding for this conference was provided by award number R13 DA020334 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official views and/or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.