Maximum likelihood estimation in a model with interval data: a comment and extension

The purpose of this article is, first, to extend Poon et al. 's (1993) maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of the correlation coefficient based on interval data to the regression case. Secondly, this paper shows how the traditional method of collecting interval data with the intervals chosen by the researcher can be easily modified to avoid the problems discussed by Poon et al. (1993). The MLE for this modification to the regression problem is presented. Finally, all the methods discussed in this paper are used to estimate the effects of grade point average and gender on student perceptions of the percentage of their classmates who have cheated on at least one exam in college.     

Development of a social monitoring system at the local level: An experiment in the Southern Region of the Democratic Republic of Sudan

Subjective indicators of life quality are used frequently in the planning and decision making process. The limitations inherent in the use of subjective indicators often go unnoticed among those most likely to use such data in the context of planned change. We direct attention to a potential source of error in subjective evaluations of community services and facilities. Specifically, we utilize repeated measures to test for response bias that results from placing items in alternative sections of the same survey instrument. Evidence concerning the hypothesized presence of systematic bias was mixed. When overall service evaluation items were embedded within a section devoted exclusively to that service, considerable systematic bias was observed. The findings indicate that the choice of question format depends upon the ultimate use to which the data will be put.     

Job Development in a Veterans Administration Hospital

This department provides a showcase for actual practices. Effective and ineffective procedures or techniques are displayed, as well as successful and unsuccessful programs or projects. Reports, not to exceed six typed, double-spaced pages, are to include a succinct, summary sentence of up to 30 words and are to be submitted in triplicate. Authors may wish to make longer reports available to interested readers.     

Coordination of benefits reduces double payments.

As a means of reducing the cost of duplicate health care coverage, the health insurance industry utilizes a mechanism called coordination of benefits (COB). The main purposes of COB are to limit recovery to 100 percent of actual charges and to assign insurers primary and secondary responsibilities to pay these charges. Nearly all health plans, including HMOs, Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans, and commercial insurers, coordinate benefits, mostly for group coverage, often on the basis of procedures found in state insurance codes. While COB provides an effective cost reduction mechanism to health insurers, several issues remain in its administration, including difficulties that arise when carriers refuse to pay, when HMO members self-refer, and when coordination is attempted with an uninsured plan.