Modeling Dyadic and Interdependent Data in Developmental Research: An Introduction

Relationships with others play a critical role in child and adolescent development. Unfortunately, the use of analytic techniques that appropriately model dyadic and group interdependencies has not yet taken root in developmental research. Whereas we view these interdependencies as valuable information and an important focus for research, most researchers, unfortunately, often ignore or attempt to avoid interdependencies in their data. In our introduction to this volume, we emphasize the importance of interdependence in developmental science, highlight the need for specific analytic approaches for modeling interdependent data, and present the goals of this book.