This indispensable tool for proposal writers, research students and project coordinators involved in large-scale data collection offers practical information on managing research projects.

The book places emphasis on: applying good standards for data collection and processing; planning research activities; making budgetary decisions and budget control; hiring, training and supervising field interviewing staff; and ensuring high participant acquisition and retention rates, including techniques for locating lost participants. In addition, readers are shown the use of computerized information...

Epidemiological surveys have provided key information about the prevalence and degree of seriousness at different ages of a wide array of problem behaviors such as delinquency, substance use, early sexual involvement, and mental health disorders. Knowledge of the extent of these problems and changes in their course over time is important. In its absence, interventions and health planning in general can be difficult. Understanding which risk and protective factors are relevant to which problem behaviors is also essential for the formulation of theories that constitute the basis of...