Goals as reference points in marathon running: A novel test of reference dependence

In a large-scale field study of marathon runners, we test whether goals act as reference points in shaping the valuation of outcomes. Theories of reference-dependent preferences, such as Prospect Theory, imply that outcomes that are just below or just above a reference point are evaluated differently. Consistent with the Prospect Theory value function, we find that satisfaction as a function of relative performance (the difference between a runner’s finishing time goal and her actual finishing time) exhibits loss aversion and diminishing sensitivity in both predictions of and actual experienced satisfaction. However, in contrast to Prospect Theory, we observe that loss aversion is partially driven by a discontinuity or jump at the reference point. In addition, we find that a runner’s time goal as well as their previous marathon times simultaneously impact runner satisfaction, providing support for the impact of multiple reference points on satisfaction.     

Comparisons of imputation methods with application to assess factors associated with self efficacy of physical activity in breast cancer survivors

ABSTRACT

Missing data are commonly encountered in self-reported measurements and questionnaires. It is crucial to treat missing values using appropriate method to avoid bias and reduction of power. Various types of imputation methods exist, but it is not always clear which method is preferred for imputation of data with non-normal variables. In this paper, we compared four imputation methods: mean imputation, quantile imputation, multiple imputation, and quantile regression multiple imputation (QRMI), using both simulated and real data investigating factors affecting self-efficacy in breast cancer survivors. The results displayed an advantage of using multiple imputation, especially QRMI when data are not normal.     

Analysis of Linear Models with One Factor Having Both Fixed and Random Levels

ABSTRACT

A general theory for a case where a factor has both fixed and random effect levels is developed under one-way treatment structure model. Estimation procedures for the fixed effects and variance components are consider for the model. The testing of fixed effects is considered when the variance–covariance matrix is known and unknown. Confidence intervals for estimable functions and prediction intervals for predictable functions are constructed. The computational procedures are illustrated using data from an on-farm trial.     

The General Expressions for the Moments of the Stochastic Shrinkage Parameters of the Liu Type Estimator

ABSTRACT

One of the problems with the Liu estimator is the appropriate value for the unknown biasing parameter d. In this article we consider the optimum value for d and give upper bound for the expected value of the estimator of this biasing parameter. We also derive the general expressions for the moments of the stochastic shrinkage parameters of the Liu estimator and the generalized Liu estimator. Numerical calculations are carried out to illustrate the behavior of the mean and variance of the biasing parameter. Also, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effect of the biasing parameter d, on the mean square error of the Liu estimator.     

Book Reviews

This article uses a Bayesian unit-root test in stochastic volatility models. The time series of interest is the volatility that is unobservable. The unit-root testing is based on the posterior odds ratio, which is approximated by Markov-chain Monte Carlo methods. Simulations show that the testing procedure is efficient for moderate sample size. The unit-root hypothesis is rejected in seven market indexes, and some evidence of nonstationarity is observed in the TWSI of Taiwan.     

Two Canonical VARMA Forms: Scalar Component Models Vis-à-Vis the Echelon Form

In this article we study two methodologies which identify and specify canonical form VARMA models. The two methodologies are: (1) an extension of the scalar component methodology which specifies canonical VARMA models by identifying scalar components through canonical correlations analysis; and (2) the Echelon form methodology, which specifies canonical VARMA models through the estimation of Kronecker indices. We compare the actual forms and the methodologies on three levels. Firstly, we present a theoretical comparison. Secondly, we present a Monte Carlo simulation study that compares the performances of the two methodologies in identifying some pre-specified data generating processes. Lastly, we compare the out-of-sample forecast performance of the two forms when models are fitted to real macroeconomic data.     

Anarchism,Revolution and Reaction: Catalan Labour and the Crisis of the Spanish State, 1898–1923

The British Journal of Sociology, XXVII, no. 3, September 1976 (special issue ‘Sociology and history'), 117 (Routledge and Kegan Paul, £2.50).

Michael W. Dols, The Black Death in the Middle East (1977), xviii+390 (Princeton University Press, Princeton, £15.80).

T. W. Moody, F. X. Martin and F. J. Byrne (eds), A Sew History of Ireland, Vol. III, Early Modern Ireland 1534–1691 (1976), lxiii+736 (Clarendon Press: Oxford University Press, £17).

Edward Shorter, The Making of the Modern Family (1976), xiv+369 (Collins, £4.50).

Dirk Blasius, Bürgerliche Gesellschaft und Kriminalität: zur Sozialgeschichte Preussens im Vormärz (1976), 203 (Vandenhoeck &; Ruprecht, Göttingen, DM 38).

Carsten Rüther, Räuber und Gauner in Deutschland: das Organisierte Bandenwesen im 18. und Frühen 19. Jahrhundert (1976), 197 (Vandenhoeck &; Ruprecht, Göttingen, no price given).

James S. Donnelly Jr, The Land and People of Nineteenth‐Century Cork: The Rural Economy and the Land Question (1975), xiv+440 (Routledge and Kegan Paul, £9.95).

Herbert G. Gutman, Work, Culture and Society in Industrializing America. Essays in American Working‐Class and Social History (1976), xiv+343 (Alfred Knopf, New York, $12.50, paperback $7).

James Obelkevich, Religion and Rural Society: South Lindsey 1825–1875 (1976), xiv+353 (Oxford University Press, £12.00).

R. J. Morris, Cholera 1832 (1976), 228+vii (Croom Helm, £7.50).

Eugen Weber, Peasants into Frenchmen: The Modernisation of Rural France 1870–1914 (1977), xv+615 (Chatto &; Windus, £12.00).

Stuart D. Brandes, American Welfare Capitalism 1880–1940 (1976), ix+210 (University of Chicago Press, Chicago, £10.55).

Charles van Onselen, Chibaro ‐ African Mine Labour in Southern Rhodesia, 1900–1933 (1976) 326 (Pluto Press, £7.50).