Sequence Analysis

Sequence analysis (SA) was developed to study social processes that unfold over time as sequences of events. It has gained increasing attention as the availability of longitudinal data made it possible to address sequence-oriented questions. This volume introduces the basics of SA to guide practitioners and support instructors through the basic workflow of sequence analysis. In addition to the basics, this book outlines recent advances and innovations in SA.

The presentation of statistical, substantive, and theoretical foundations is enriched by examples to help the reader understand the repercussions of specific analytical choices. The extensive ancillary material supports self-learning based on real-world survey data and research questions from the field of life course research.

Data and code and a variety of additional resources to enrich the use of this book are available on an accompanying website.

Series Editor's Introduction
Acknowledgments
Preface
About the Authors
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1 Sequence Analysis in the Social Sciences
1.2 Organization of the Book
1.3 Software, Data, and Companion Webpage
Chapter 2: Describing and Visualizing Sequences
2.1 Basic Concepts and Terminology
2.1 Basic Concepts and Terminology
2.3 Description of Sequence Data I: The Basics
2.4 Visualization of Sequences
2.5 Description of Sequences II: Assessing Sequence
Chapter 3: Comparing Sequences
3.1 Dissimilarity Measures to Compare Sequences
3.2 Alignment Techniques
3.3 Alignment-Based Extensions of OM
3.4 Nonalignment Techniques
3.5 Comparing Dissimilarity Matrices
3.6 Comparing Sequences of Different Length
3.7 Beyond the Standard Full-Sample Pairwise Sequence Comparison
Chapter 4: Identifying Groups in Data: Analyses Based On Dissimilarities Between Sequences
4.1 Clustering Sequences to Uncover Typologies
4.2 Illustrative Application
4.3 "Construct Validity" for Typologies From Cluster Analysis to Sequences
4.4 Using Typologies as Dependent and Independent Variables in a Regression Framework
Chapter 5: Multidimensional Sequence Analysis
5.1 Accounting for Simultaneous Temporal Processes
5.2 Expanding the Alphabet: Combining Multiple Channels Into a Single Alphabet
5.3 Cross-Tabulation of Groups Identified From Different Dissimilarity Matrices
5.4 Combining Domain-Specific Dissimilarities
5.5 Multichannel Sequence Analysis
Chapter 6: Examining Group Differences Without Cluster Analysis
6.1 Comparing Within-Group Discrepancies
6.2 Measuring Associations Between Sequences and Covariates
6.3 Statistical Implicative Analysis
Chapter 7: Combining Sequence Analysis With Other Explanatory Methods
7.1 The Rationale Behind the Combination of Stochastic and Algorithmic Analytical Tools
7.2 Competing Trajectories Analysis
7.3 Sequence Analysis Multistate Model Procedure
7.4 Combining SA and (Propensity Score) Matching
Chapter 8: Conclusions
8.1 Summary of Recommendations: An Extended Checklist
8.2 Achievements, Unresolved Issues, and Ongoing Innovation
References