Maximum likelihood estimation of Laplace parameters based on general type-II censored examples

In this paper, we derive the maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters of a Laplace distribution based on general Type-II censored samples. The resulting explicit MLE's turn out to be simple linear functions of the order statistics. We then examine the asymptotic variance of the estimates by calculating the elements of the Fisher information matrix.     

FITTING FINITE MIXTURE MODELS IN A REGRESSION CONTEXT

Suppose data are collected in a three-mode fashion (individuals x items X attributes), and it is sought to cluster the individuals into groups on the basis of lineat relations between scores on the attributes for each item and auxiliary measurements made on the same items. A mixture model is pro posed and the EM algorithm is used to fit it to the data by simultaneously estimating the group parameters and allocating individuals to groups. The method is illustrated by a simulation study and a real example in which consumers are clustered on the basis of product scores that are related to a sensory laboratory measurement.     

Dynamic models and attainment in the workplace

The two most marked trends in recent stratification studies are: (1) the shift away from a statical approach to attainment and toward a dynamical representation of achievement, and (2) the shift away from the assumption that achievement is largely a matter of individual characteristics, and toward the view that achievement is the outcome of an employer-employee exchange of productive resources for earnings and status. This paper forges a link between these parallel trends by elaborating on previous formulations of dynamic models of achievement and applying the results to the analysis of earnings attainment in an internal labor market. The modeling section of the paper joins within a single framework the growing interest in ascertaining how a given structure of opportunity shapes achievement and in determining the different points in the career line at which individual background and resource variables impact attainment. Special attention is devoted to the problems facing researchers who wish to bring a dynamic conceptualization of achievement to cross-sectional or otherwise deficient data. Although the empirical application of the various models is largely meant to be illustrative, it is of interest in its own right because it goes substantially beyond previous efforts in this area.     

Examining collaboration across organizations in an age-friendly community

ABSTRACT

Collaboration among organizations is fundamental to promoting age-friendly environments. This study questions: To what extent do organizations collaborate with other organizations in age-friendly communities to provide services to older adults? This study draws on 48 semi-structured qualitative interviews with representatives of organizations that provide services to older adults in an age-friendly community. Findings demonstrated that organizations can engage in collaboration and cooperation across multiple sectors of service delivery and across multiple types of organizations. Nevertheless, some organizations were not collaborating; older adults receiving services at these organizations may miss opportunities to connect to complementary services that can meet their holistic needs.     

Who now debates functionalism? fromsystem,change and conflict to “culture,choice, and praxis”

This paper makes a strategic return to an earlier sociological era as a way of charting where we have been and where we are heading. Specifically, it returns to the debate over functionalism as represented in a volume edited by the author and Richard Peterson in 1967 entitledSystem, Change and Conflict. The paper argues that little of that controversy remains, but that several key issues have taken on new forms and serve as the foci of new disputes. A comparable volume today would require a quite different title, perhaps “Culture, Choice, and Praxis.” The paper briefly reviews the three new movements referred to and the issues surrounding them. It concludes with remarks on the changing role of theory itself within sociology.     

The effects of maternal depression on children

The importance of identifying children at risk because of parental pathology such as schizophrenia has been well established. It is recommended that a systematic investigation of children of depressed mothers be made. An object relations developmental model is presented as a conceptual framework for understanding the consequences to children of being cared for by depressed mothers.     

Treating resistant children

Engating children in the therapeutic process is often a difficult task. Factors underlying this resistance are discussed, along with practical considerations and strategies. Ways of gaining the attention and involvement of children through the uses of innovative play techniques are also reviewed.He is also in private practive and a consultant for a community mental health agency.     

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FORGIVENESS SCALE

This paper reports on the development, validity, and reliability of a self-report instrument designed to assess a respondent's perspective of pain resulting from relational violations and work toward relational forgiveness based on framework proposed by Hargrave (1994a). Presented here is the five-stage procedure used in the development of the Interpersonal Relationship Resolution Scale. Construct validity and reliability were determined from an initial sample of 164 subjects. Concurrent validity of the scal was supported by another sample of 35 respondents who took the Interpersonal Relationship Resolution Scal, the Personal Authority in the Family System Questonnaire, the Relational Ethics Scale, the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior scale, and the Burns Depression Checklist. Finally, a predictive validity study of the scale was performed with a clinical and nonclinical sample of 98 volunteers. Data are presented that support the validity and reliability of the instrument, as will as the final version of the scale.