Fitting models to data: Interaction versus polynomial? your choice

Polynomials are widely used for fitting models empirically to data. Low-degree polynomials (specifically, degrees 1, 2, and at most 3) have stood the test of time by proving their versatility when it comes to fitting a wide variety of different surface shapes over limited regions of interest. However, when faced with modeling a surface over an experimental region whose boundaries extend beyond some localized neighborhood or limited-sized region of interest, a polynomial of degree 2, or even of degree 3, may not be adequate. For this situation we propose fitting an interaction model which is a reduced form of higher-degree polynomial. Some examples of actual experiments are presented to illustrate the improvement in fit by an interaction model over that of a standard polynomial, even for response surfaces with uncomplicated shapes.     

The Debate as a Pedagogic Tool in Social Policy for Social Work Students

Social work education under the Diploma in Social Work has been shaped by a competency led training model. The danger in this approach is that the critical thinking required of the reflective practitioner becomes lost. This paper argues that the teaching of social policy requires a complex interplay of knowledge, skills and values if students are to be equipped to participate effectively in the policy process. The authors, as teachers of social policy to social work students, have developed the use of the debate as a tool for learning and assessment. This approach is evaluated using structured student feedback and is discussed in the context of experiential and reflective learning and the application of social policy as ‘policy practice’. Over three cohorts, students reported increased knowledge and understanding and improved confidence in argumentation skills. Observation showed them utilising a range of policy practice skills. Recent evidence from the USA and Australia begins to confirm the value of this learning tool.     

Letters to the editor

The western roots of modern same‐sex relationships

Same‐Sex Desire and Love in GrecoRoman Antiquity and in the Classical Tradition of the West, Edited by Beert C. Verstraete &; Vernon Provencal. New York: Huntington Park Press, 2006, 491 pages. Cloth, $69.95; Paper, $49.95.

Students go to “sex camp” and write back love letters

Sex Camp, By Brian McNaught. Bloomington, IN: Author House, 2005, 446 Pages. Cloth, $31.50; Paper, $21.75; Electronic, $5.95.

Complexity of sexuality: shifting to a focus on sexuality in close relationships

The Handbook of Sexuality in Close Relationships, Edited by John H. Harvey, Amy Wenzel, &; Susan Sprecher. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2004, 668 pages. Cloth, $125.00; Paper $65.00.     

Differentiating female homosexuals from female heterosexuals by use of the MMPI

There is a direct correspondence between the interpretation of homosexuality and the ideas and theories surrounding it. Upon administering the MMPI to a group of female homosexuals and a group of female heterosexuals, the two groups were differentiated on three of the 13 scales. The two groups differed also on 57 of the 566 items. The findings support the idea that differences in personality, although not out of the “normal” ranges (i.e., T scores > 70 or < 30) do occur between female homosexuals and female heterosexuals. The results also indicate that a personality scale to detect homosexuality could be developed.