Substantive-Methodological Synergies (SMS)
Marsh and Hau(2007) and Borsboom (2006) emphasised the need for substantive-methodologicalsynergies (SMS) in psychological research. Substantive-methodological synergiesrepresent joint ventures in which new methodological developments are appliedto substantively important issues. Welive in exciting times of fast-paced innovation in quantitative methods. Thiscreates new research opportunities: methodological innovations enableresearchers to penetrate previously inaccessible research problems, revisitclassic unresolved issues, and address new research issues. However, this alsocreates concerns for substantive researchers who fail to keep pace with newmethodological developments. As pointed out by Marsh and Hau (2007): (a)some of the best methodological research is based on the development ofcreative methodological solutions to problems that stem from substantiveresearch; (b) new methodologies provide important new approaches to currentsubstantive issues; and (c) substantive-methodological synergies areparticularly important in applied areas. The converse is also likely: researchers with strong methodologicalskills might lose touch with the need to present statistical tools in ways thathave practical and theoretical significance. Substantive-methodologicalsynergies are also useful in demonstrating the practical advantages ofstatistical innovations to substantive research and to present thoseinnovations in a clear and replicable way to applied researchers who might lackthe formal mathematical training necessary to be able to dig into statisticalpapers. Substantive-methodological synergies represents the core of my research program.
Leading a research program centered onsubstantive-methodological synergies involvestwo core components. A first component is to remain open to collaborativeopportunities with substantive experts seeking better, clearer, or simply moreprecise answers to critical research questions. A second component focuses on a number of key statistical models that I particularly enjoy using, illustrating, but alsoworking at improving in terms of applications and interpretations: psychometric models (ESEM, Bifactor ESEM), person-centered analyses, longitudinal analyses of change, and their combination.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC):Insight
The Centrality of Self-Equilibrium and Self-Complexity as Critical Indicators of Optimal Functioning Across the Transition into Adulthood and Entry into the Workforce
Alexandre J.S. Morin, Concordia University
Christophe Maïano, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO)
David Litalien, Université Laval
Christian Vandenberghe, HEC Montreal
Robert J. Vallerand, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC): Insight
The development of emotion regulation in at-risk youth from infancy through early adulthood: Mitigating adversity and enhancing wellbeing
Dale M.Stack, Concordia University
Lisa A. Serbin, Concordia University
Alexandre J.S. Morin, Concordia University
Paul D. Hastings, UC Davis
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC): Insight
Furthering positive futures for adolescents with intellectual disabilities: A longitudinal investigation of school life and physical activity benefits on psychosocial and physical well-being
Christophe Maïano, University of Quebec in Outaouais
Alexandre J.S. Morin, Australian Catholic University
Herbert W. Marsh, Australian Catholic University
Danielle Tracey, University of Western Sydney
Stéphane Bouchard, University of Quebec in Outaouais
Claude L. Normand, University of Quebec in Outaouais
Geneviève Piché, University of Quebec in Outaouais
Olivier Hue, University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières
Fonds de Recherche Société et Culture du Québec (FRQSC)
Soutienaux équipes de Recherche / Universitaire – émergence:
Groupede recherche sur la santé et le mieux-être au travail (G-SMAT)- Santé psychologique au travail: Vers des avancées théoriques, méthodologiques et pratiques
[Group for Research on Health and Well-being at Work – Psychological Health at work: Toward theoretical, methodological, and practical advances]
Claude Fernet, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
Stéphanie Austin, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
Sarah-Geneviève Trépanier, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
Caroline Biron, Université Laval
Alexandre J.S. Morin, Concordia University