Bayesian hypothesis testing for selected regression coefficients

ABSTRACT

We develop new Bayesian regression tests for prespecified regression coefficients. Simple, closed forms of the Bayes factors are derived that depend only on the regression t-statistic and F-statistic and the usual associated t and F distributions. The priors that allow those forms are simple and also meaningful, requiring minimal but practically important subjective inputs.     

Social Exclusion and Social Work: Questions for the Future

This paper describes the experiences of students and service users and carers participating in the Staffordshire University Skills Lab Programme. Two focus groups were held: one with first year social work students and one with service users and carers to explore their views. Qualitative analysis identified key themes that were part of the students' and the service users and carers' experience of the skills lab. The skills lab was very positively rated overall. Several recommendations for improvement will be addressed for future years.     

Why population matters

Population growth around the world affects Americans through its impact on the economy, the environment, and the world our children will inherit. This explains why population growth is important and why the U.S. government provides assistance (roughly $500 million annually, or $2 per American) for population programs in developing countries. These programs help couples to use family planning when they want to, thereby reducing birthrates, protecting the health of women, and strengthening families.     

Going the Distance

In the interest of developing a conceptual framework for distance education, the authors describe the use of systems theory concepts in designing, implementing, and evaluating a distance education program. They describe input, throughput, and output factors used in creating and operating the program, as well as the incorporation of feedback in making modifications to the program. The systems perspective allowed the authors to better understand the interaction of variables affecting the operation of the program and where changes can be made to address problems and enhance student learning.     

Women's Perception of the Divorce Experience: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Divorce is a personal experience, often negative, and each couple experiences it differently. However, the divorce experience may provide opportunities for personal growth. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the challenges and growth opportunities women who have divorced experience from their own perspective. Ten women with similar backgrounds participated in personal interviews. Individual interviews revealed the following themes: (a) dating reflections, (b) married life, (c) self-perceptions, (d) support or lack of support, (e) family, (f) personal emotions, (g) personal growth, and (h) the future. Mezirow's (2000) Mezirow, J. 2000. Learning as transformation: Critical perspective on a theory in progress, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.  [Google Scholar] theory of transformational learning was the framework used to organize the findings to understand growth through transitional phases. This article presents the findings of this study and implications for women going through divorce.     

Responsibility Inferences and Intergenerational Obligations to Parents and Stepparents: Are Step/Children Less Obligated When Older Adults Are at Fault for Their Problems?

Beliefs about intergenerational obligations to assist older adults are known to be influenced by contextual variables such as the type of kin relationship (i.e., stepparent, parent) between older and younger adults. One contextual variable that has not been studied is the degree to which older individuals are seen as culpable for their problems. If older kin are perceived to be at fault for their problems, are they seen as less deserving of help than if they are not to blame? Do judgments about being at fault for problems affect beliefs about helping parents differently than beliefs about helping stepparents? A random national sample of 229 men and 274 women responded to vignettes about an older parent or stepparent who needed help managing diabetes, which was presented as either the consequence of the older adult's actions or as an inherited illness. Respondents were asked about younger family members' obligations to help older adults, how much help younger adults and public agencies should provide, and how much older adults were responsible for themselves. The effects of older adults' marital status and sex of both adults also were examined. Obligations to stepparents were less than obligations to parents. The amount of help respondents thought should be provided was moderated by older adults' marital status. Obligations and aid to parents and stepparents generally were not affected by the older adults' culpability for the problems.     

Digitally amplified practices: Beyond binaries and towards a profile of multiple digital coadjuvants

ABSTRACT

To examine the agentic conditions afforded through the use of digital tools in play-based settings, the Vygotskian (1997a, 1997b) concept of imitation was used to study the pedagogical practices of two teachers over two years (Group 1: 3–5.8 years, mean 4.5 years; Group 2: 4.7–6.7, mean 4.5). Rather than a static view of digital technology, where screen time acts as a proxy for understanding the child’s experience, this study found a complex profile of practices where digital tool use could not be separated from the existing preschool program. It is argued that these digitally amplified practices, named as coadjuvants, support children’s development.