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The current study compares estimates of peer influence from an analytic approach that explicitly address network processes with those from traditional approaches that do not. Using longitudinal network data from the PROmoting School-community-university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience peers project, we obtain estimates of social influence on multiple outcomes from both conventional linear modeling approaches and the stochastic actor-based modeling approach of the simulation investigation for empirical network analysis (SIENA) software. Our findings indicate that peer influence estimates from SIENA are not more conservative relative to other methods, that each method is subject to omitted variable bias from stable individual differences, and that imprecision among each method could lead to erroneous conclusions in samples that lack sufficient power. Together, these results underscore the difficulty in obtaining estimates of peer influence from observational data, and they give no indication that results from conventional methods tend to be biased toward overestimating peer influence, relative to SIENA.

AbstractStatistics and research methods courses are essential yet challenging components of criminology curricula. Despite their importance, students often exhibit disinterest and anxiety towards these courses, negatively impacting their academic performance. This study investigates criminology students’ perceptions, focusing on disinterest, relevance argumentation, and math anxiety. Using a convenience sample of 167 students from a Hispanic-serving institution in the Western United States, responses were analyzed using the D.RA.MA. scale. Findings revealed that students in statistics courses exhibited higher math anxiety, significantly affecting their performance. Additionally, women experienced greater math anxiety, and other demographic factors influenced perceptions of relevance and disinterest. We discuss how these results underscore the need for targeted interventions among this student population and potential applied approaches that could benefit students. Addressing these factors could enhance students’ understanding and appreciation, leading to better academic performance and career preparation in criminal justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined associations between dating and number of friends for rural adolescents with same‐sex and other‐sex dating partners using longitudinal sociometric data (N = 2826; 55% female, 87% White, mean age = 14 at baseline). In multilevel models assessing within‐person change, boys gained female friends when they were in same‐sex romantic relationships, compared to when they were single. In contrast, girls in same‐sex relationships lost female friends and gained male friends. Adolescents in other‐sex romantic relationships gained same‐sex friends compared to when they were single. Results advance understanding of adolescent social and sexual development, suggesting that sexual minority adolescents find allies when dating but may struggle to maintain same‐sex friendships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study compares estimates of peer influence from an analytic approach that explicitly address network processes with those from traditional approaches that do not. Using longitudinal network data from the PROmoting School–community–university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience peers project, we obtain estimates of social influence on multiple outcomes from both conventional linear modeling approaches and the stochastic actor–based modeling approach of the simulation investigation for empirical network analysis (SIENA) software. Our findings indicate that peer influence estimates from SIENA are not more conservative relative to other methods, that each method is subject to omitted variable bias from stable individual differences, and that imprecision among each method could lead to erroneous conclusions in samples that lack sufficient power. Together, these results underscore the difficulty in obtaining estimates of peer influence from observational data, and they give no indication that results from conventional methods tend to be biased toward overestimating peer influence, relative to SIENA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined associations between dating and number of friends for rural adolescents with same-sex and other-sex dating partners using longitudinal sociometric data (N = 2826; 55% female, 87% White, mean age = 14 at baseline). In multilevel models assessing within-person change, boys gained female friends when they were in same-sex romantic relationships, compared to when they were single. In contrast, girls in same-sex relationships lost female friends and gained male friends. Adolescents in other-sex romantic relationships gained same-sex friends compared to when they were single. Results advance understanding of adolescent social and sexual development, suggesting that sexual minority adolescents find allies when dating but may struggle to maintain same-sex friendships., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Research on Adolescence published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society for Research on Adolescence.)