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MBRL
Methodology in Behavioral Research Lab (MBRL)
About Us
The MBRL is a joint lab between Bethany Bray and Matt Fritz in the Psychology Department at Virginia Tech that focuses on quantitative methodology and training in the psychological, behavioral and health sciences. The lab works on a variety of research projects designed to develop and apply advanced statistical methods to questions about the development of problem behaviors like substance use, gambling, and risky sex. Our research is motivated by challenges faced in prevention, intervention and treatment research, but provides new ways to address questions that arise in many different areas of psychology.
Research Areas
- Discrete latent variable methodology (LCA, LTA)
- Impulse control
- Longitudinal models
- Mediation analysis
- Problem and pathological gambling
- Prevention program evaluation
- Substance use, abuse and dependence
Learn about the specific research projects being conduced by faculty and students on our Research Areas page.
Undergraduate and Graduate Research
Are you an undergraduate or graduate interested in joining the MBRL? If so, click here for more information.
Diversity
The MBRL respects and supports diversity at Virginia Tech in all its forms, and in its members. We strive for a friendly, open, and inclusive atmosphere in the lab in order to promote an honest discussion of ideas and the best quantitative research possible. Drs. Bray and Fritz are Virginia Tech LBGTQ Safe Zone Allies and the MBRL is a Safe Zone.
Quantitative Training at VT
There are many opportunities for quantitative training at Virginia Tech, especially for grad students. Upcoming courses in psychology, as well as upcoming courses in related departments, on-campus workshops, and other training opportunities are listed on our Quant Training page.
Methods & Stats Resources
Members of the MBRL collaborate with colleagues at many different institutions. We also recommend a variety of resources on methodological and statistical topics related to our research. Links to our collaborators and recommended resources are listed on our Resources page.
What are we reading this month?
The next MBRL Brown Bag Lunch will be held Friday, April 20th. The article(s) we will discuss are:
TBA
Spring 2012 MBRL Brown Bag Dates:
Friday, Jan 27th
Friday, Feb 17th
Friday, Mar 16th
Friday, Apr 20th
People in the Lab
See a list of MBRL members on our Lab People page
Recent Publications
Fritz, M. S., Taylor, A. B., & MacKinnon, D. P. (2012). Explanation of two anomalous results in statistical mediation analysis. Multivariate Behavioral Research, 47, 61-87.
Fritz, M. S., & MacKinnon, D. P. (2012). Mediation models for developmental data. In B. Laursen, T. Little, & N. Card (Eds.), Handbook of developmental research methods (pp. 291-310). New York: Guilford.
Foti, R. J., Bray, B. C., Thompson, N. J., & Allgood, S. F. (in press). Know thy self, know thy leader: A pattern-oriented approach to examining leader perceptions. The Leadership Quarterly.
Lanza, S. T., Tan, X., & Bray, B. C. (in press). Latent class analysis with distal outcomes: A flexible model-based approach. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal.
White, S. W., Bray, B. C., & Ollendick, T. H. (2011). Examining shared and unique aspects of social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder using factor analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1007/s10803-011-1325-7
White, S. W., Ollendick, T. H., & Bray, B. C. (2011). College students on the autism spectrum: Prevalence and associated problems. Autism, advanced online publication. doi:10.1177/1362361310393363
Lanza, S. T., Bray, B. C., & Collins, L .M. (in press). An introduction to latent class and latent transition analysis. In J. A. Schinka, & W. F. Velicer (Eds.), Handbook of psychology, 2nd edition: Vol. 2. Research methods in psychology. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Recent Presentations
Bethany C. Bray
National Council on Family Relations
Orlando, FL
November 16 - November 19, 2011
Methods Work Workshop
Chicago, IL
June 11-12, 2012
Matthew S. Fritz
Society for Prevention Research Annual Meeting
Washington, DC
May 31 - June 3, 2011
Matthew G. Cox
Society for Prevention Research Annual Meeting
Washington, DC
May 31 - June 3, 2011
Jared J. McGinley
American Psychological Association Annual Convention
Washington, DC
August 4 - August 7, 2011
Location and Contact Information
Bethany C. Bray
WMS 119 (office)
(540) 231-4287
WMS 158 (lab)
Matthew S. Fritz
WMS 215 (office)