LOGISTIC REGRESSION COMPARED TO NORMAL DISCRIMINATION FOR NON-NORMAL POPULATIONS'

An investigation is undertaken of the logistic regression procedure for estimating the posterior probability of an object belonging to one of two populations. The asymptotic bias and mean square error associated with the procedure are derived for univariate populations whose distributions satisfy the general Day-Kerridge model for which the logistic form is valid for the posterior probability. These properties are compared with those of the normal discrimination method based on the classical assumption of normal populations with common variances. The asymptotic relative efficiency of logistic regression is considered on the basis of asymptotic mean square error.     

Information in experiments and sufficiency

We define measures of information contained in an experiment which are by-products of the parametric measures of Fisher, Vajda, Mathai and Boekee and the non-parametric measures of Bhattacharyya, Rényi, Matusita, Kagan and Csiszár. We use these measures to compare sufficient experiments according to Blackwell's definition. In particular, we prove that if δ_X and δ_Y are two experiments and δ_X≥δ_Y then l_X≥l_y for all of the above measures.     

Training in Human Relations Skills as a Preferred Mode of Treatment for Married Couples*

While effective communication is recognized as important to marital adjustment, few therapeutic alternatives specifically attempt to teach improved communication skills in a systematic manner. In this study, five couples experiencing marital difficulties participated in a traditional therapy group with emphasis upon cathartic release and problem solving. A similar group of five couples participated in a training group consisting of a systematic didactic and experiential approach emphasizing the ability to discriminate and communicate helpfully. The results of outcome measures assessing gain in interpersonal skills and overall functioning indicate significant improvement in the training as compared to the traditional group.     

A Comparative Outcome Study of Behavioral Marital Therapy and Communication Therapy*

Distressed couples were assigned to Behavioral Marital Therapy, Communication Therapy, or a Wait-List. Treated couples demonstrated more change than controls in marital problems and general communication patterns, but not in feelings toward spouse or communication during conflict resolution discussions. Wives in treatment reported more positive change in personal, nonmarital problems than control wives. There were no overall differences between treatment groups; treated couples reported increases in marital satisfaction and communication from pretreatment to the 4-month follow-up. There was an interaction between age and response to treatment: young couples changed more in Behavioral Marital Therapy, while older couples responded better to Communication Therapy. Results are discussed in terms of the need for developing client-tailored treatment programs.     

THE EFFECT OF SAMPLE STRUCTURE ON ANALYTICAL SURVEYS1,2

The core of this paper is a dialogue between "Harry", an experienced survey statistician and "Fred", a young mathematical statistician. They have contrasting approaches to the problem of estimating a regression relationship from a stratified sample, but after one or two red herrings are dragged out, both realize that the situation is not as simple as they had supposed. The role played by the probabilities of selection is a central issue. Estimation sampling for means, totals, and ratios is also considered, and seen to be a special case of the general analytical sampling synthesis they had already agreed upon.