A multinomial model for cross classified data with a measure of dependency

This paper presents a modified multinomial model for analyzing behaviour among wildlife populations. It assumes that the covariance matrix of the observed proportions is a multiple of the covariance matrix under simple random sampling. The model also allows a measure of dependency among the clusters within subpopulations, a type of dependency that assumes the relationships among units are the same for any two units. In addition, this paper illustrates the fact that the incorrect application of the Pearson chi-square statistic based on simple random sampling can produce misleading results when frequencies are obtained from a non-multinomial sampling scheme. Data obtained from a study of wild turkeys are analyzed using the proposed multinomial model.     

Scaling limits for the transient phase of local Metropolis–Hastings algorithms

Summary.  The paper considers high dimensional Metropolis and Langevin algorithms in their initial transient phase. In stationarity, these algorithms are well understood and it is now well known how to scale their proposal distribution variances. For the random-walk Metropolis algorithm, convergence during the transient phase is extremely regular—to the extent that the algo-rithm's sample path actually resembles a deterministic trajectory. In contrast, the Langevin algorithm with variance scaled to be optimal for stationarity performs rather erratically. We give weak convergence results which explain both of these types of behaviour and practical guidance on implementation based on our theory.     

The transitional object reconsidered: Some sociocultural variations and their implications

Winnicott's trasitional object concept has generated vigorous theoretical inquiry and has been applied broadly in practice. His hypothesis that transitional object attachments are healthy and universal has fostered assumptions about psychosocial health and disturbance that may not apply across the range of clients seen in practice. The purpose of this article is to heighten clinicians' awareness of the wide normative sociocultural variation in transitional object attachments. A review of the theory is followed by presentation of findings from cross-cultural studies. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for theory-building and practice.     

AWARD WINNING PAPER: 1989 ALPHA KAPPA DELTA UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT PAPER COMPETITION

This paper analyzes the influence of television sports media on the socialization of the black male youth by integrating data drawn from the comprehensive literature on both subjects. It is argued that sports media creates mistaken illusions for impressionable black youths and produces a false sense of potential career success. As a consequence of the media's distortion, the emphasis that blacks pay to athletics tends to impede their socialization and academic performance.     

A Piagetian approach to social work practice with children and adolescents

While the field of social work is heavily committed to the treatment of children and adolescents with behavior problems, it has given little attention to the application of Piaget's egocentrism theory to these problems. This paper outlines the theory proposed by Piaget and reviews subsequent empirical validation and clinical applications of his theory. The role of social work in developing more sophisticated applications of Piaget's theory is discussed.