Relative Distribution Methods

We present an outline of relative distribution methods, with an application to recent changes in the U.S. wage distribution. Relative distribution methods are a nonparametric statistical framework for analyzing data in a fully distributional context. The framework combines the graphical tools of exploratory data analysis with statistical summaries, decomposition, and inference. The relative distribution is similar to a density ratio. It is technically defined as the random variable obtained by transforming a variable from a comparison group by the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of that variable for a reference group. This transformation produces a set of observations, the relative data, that represent the rank of the original comparison value in terms of the reference group's CDF. The density and CDF of the relative data can therefore be used to fully represent and analyze distributional differences. Analysis can move beyond comparisons of means and variances to tap the detailed information inherent in distributions. The analytic framework is general and flexible, as the relative density is decomposable into the effect of location and shape differences, and into effects that represent both compositional changes in covariates, and changes in the covariate-outcome variable relationship.     

Alleviating linear ecological bias and optimal design with subsample data

Summary.  We illustrate that combining ecological data with subsample data in situations in which a linear model is appropriate provides two main benefits. First, by including the individual level subsample data, the biases that are associated with linear ecological inference can be eliminated. Second, available ecological data can be used to design optimal subsampling schemes that maximize information about parameters. We present an application of this methodology to the classic problem of estimating the effect of a college degree on wages, showing that small, optimally chosen subsamples can be combined with ecological data to generate precise estimates relative to a simple random subsample.     

Gendered Dimensions of the HIV Pandemic: A Cross‐National Investigation of Women's International Nongovernmental Organizations,Contraceptive Use,and HIV Prevalence in Less‐Developed Nations

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic has a profound impact on women as a result of social and biological vulnerabilities to the infection. In this article, we explore the influence of democracy, women's international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs), and contraceptive use on female HIV rates, using indirect‐effect modeling techniques to properly test the interrelationships among key variables. Structural equation models reveal that democracy and women's INGOs work to reduce female HIV rates indirectly, by promoting the use of contraceptives among women in less‐developed nations. Despite these promising findings, the analyses also reveal that INGOs are negatively associated with sociohealth dimensions of female empowerment, which thus serves to promote HIV rates. The results suggest that interventions undertaken by INGOs may not be as successful as government programs in addressing inequalities in health and social resources for women in poor nations.     

An Extension of the Effects of Praising Positive Qualifying Autoclitics on the Frequency of Reading

The Analysis of Verbal Behavior - In the current study, we reinforced tacts with positive qualifying autoclitics for reading and evaluated the subsequent effect on the allocation of reading...     

Productivity and Recognition of Sociology Departments

Abstract

Research has often cited physical attractiveness as a desired value in mate selection but has neglected a systematic assessment of its influence on actual dating outcomes. The present paper explores the effect of physical attractiveness on the dating outcomes of 100 female video daters. A logistic regression analysis finds that a one unit change in ectomorphic body type increases the odds of a female finding a partner by 13.6 percent. Physical attractiveness overshadowed all other desired mating values in predicting success at finding a mate.     

The practice curriculum

The notion of curriculum has gained widespread acceptance in class-based teaching, but has only recently been associated with practice-based teaching. This paper suggests ways in which elements of class-based curricula may be transferred to the practice setting. In particular, there is an exploration of the possibility of Units in the practice curriculum. Finally, there are suggestions about the ways in which the ideas generated by the paper might be put into effect.     

Enquiry and action learning in practice placements

A new approach to social work education is described (Enquiry and Action Learning), and its application to practice placements and practice teaching is explored. A structure for planning and evaluating students' work on placement is given and their use in a Practice Learning Centre discussed.     

Understanding and working in welfare organisations: Helping students survive the workplace

In preparing students to function as competent social workers, educational establishments have to be mindful both of the need to communicate the ideals and values of the profession and the requirement to produce practitioners who are capable of functioning productively within the organisational environment. It cannot be assumed that these two tasks are necessarily complementary. Feedback from former students suggests they feel less well prepared for the latter. This paper explores the way in which one Diploma in Social Work programme attempts to prepare its students for the realities of the organisational context of their work with service users. It focuses on a module which aims to teach students about some of the key tensions inherent in social welfare organisations by arranging for them to interview managers and practitioners in their chosen pathway setting. Their findings are analysed in relation to the theoretical teaching given at the start of the module. The positive feedback from the students suggests the overall learning experience for the student group is very positive.