Constrained penalized splines

The penalized spline is a popular method for function estimation when the assumption of “smoothness” is valid. In this paper, methods for estimation and inference are proposed using penalized splines under additional constraints of shape, such as monotonicity or convexity. The constrained penalized spline estimator is shown to have the same convergence rates as the corresponding unconstrained penalized spline, although in practice the squared error loss is typically smaller for the constrained versions. The penalty parameter may be chosen with generalized cross‐validation, which also provides a method for determining if the shape restrictions hold. The method is not a formal hypothesis test, but is shown to have nice large‐sample properties, and simulations show that it compares well with existing tests for monotonicity. Extensions to the partial linear model, the generalized regression model, and the varying coefficient model are given, and examples demonstrate the utility of the methods. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 40: 190–206; 2012 © 2012 Statistical Society of Canada     

A framework for examining leadership in extreme contexts

In this review, we develop a framework to guide future research and to examine the execution of leadership in extreme contexts. We start by defining and distinguishing extreme contexts from crisis and other contexts. A five component typology is developed comprised of magnitude of consequences, form of threat, probability of consequences, location in time and physical or psychological–social proximity. We discuss the unique influences these components have on leadership processes in extreme contexts examining the relevance of organization types such as critical action and high reliability organizations. Further, we present a set of factors that may attenuate or intensify the dimensions comprising an extreme context, thus influencing either a team or organization's ability for adaptive leadership response. Ultimately this framework seeks to develop a richer understanding of extreme contexts to advance the future development of contextualized theories of leadership for extreme contexts.     

Fraud,ethics, and the disciplinary contexts of science and scholarship

This article argues that the disciplinary context is the locus of illegitimate—fraudulent and deviant—as well as legitimate activity in science and scholarship. It discusses the structural features of disciplines that condition variation in rates and types of malpractice. These features include levels of: research activity, replication and replicability, coauthorship, locus of creativity in publication (compared to the research process), and intellectual fragmentation. Her current work is a study of research productivity, funded by The National Science Foundation. She is a member of the publication committee of The American Sociological Association and past publication chair of The Society For Social Studies of Science. She is an associate editor ofGender and Society and editorial board member ofWork and Occupations.     

The self as risk taker: a cultural theory of contagion in relation to AIDS

Some people are prepared to take high risks with their lives and those of others. Should this be surprising? Is it more normal to be risk-taking? Or risk averse? The argument below will be that the risk taking facet and the risk-averse facet of the personality each emerges in the course of a public debate on freedom and control. It is not psychology but anthropology that shows how the community forces sharp and clear ideas about the self upon its members.     

A brand share model for Canadian cigarettes

In an attempt to gain some insight into the way in which advertising affects the distribution of sales with different brands, a brand share model for Canadian filter cigarette brands is presented, using Canadian data for the period 1967-1975.