Estimation of parameters in survey sampling: Optimality

Some recent works on estimation in survey sampling are analyzed and extended from the perspective of the theory of optimal estimating functions.     

A comparison of regression models for ordinal data in an analysis of transplanted-kidney function

Three regression models for ordinal data, those of Fienberg, McCullagh, and Anderson, are applied to an analysis of kidney function among transplant recipients. The conclusions arising from each model are presented and contrasted.     

Tests for the multivariate two-sample problem based on empirical probability measures

Nonparametric tests are proposed for the equality of two unknown p-variate distributions. Empirical probability measures are defined from samples from the two distributions and used to construct test statistics as the supremum of the absolute differences between empirical probabilities, the supremum being taken over all possible events. The test statistics are truly multivariate in not requiring the artificial ranking of multivariate observations, and they are distribution-free in the general p-variate case. Asymptotic null distributions are obtained. Powers of the proposed tests and a competitor are examined by Monte Carlo techniques.     

ACCREDITATION: WHAT CONSTITUTES APPROPRIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY EDUCATION?*

This study compared the mail questionnaire responses of 132 training directors and 79 clinical members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). The findings about preferred criteria for accreditation, training requirements, and attitudes toward major professional issues suggested several key differences between training directors and clinical members, as well as important similarities. These divergent and convergent trends are described and discussed.     

Life cycle of families in an urban community

This study is based on a sample of 1203 families in the city of Sholapur, conducted in 1955 using a cross-section analytical method based on income and family size, in relation to age of head of household. The nature of the life cycle is representational rather than statisitical. Nearly half the household heads were between ages 26-40; 10% were 15-25; and 40% were over 40. The average family size increased steadily and continuously from 3.9 members when the head was under 20, to 6.6 when the head was 55. The number of dependents at this age increased from 2.7 to 4.6. The average number of earners increased from 1.3 to 2. After age 55 the average family size declined from 6.6 to 5.4 for the 56-60 age group. Until the age of 40 the head of the family is usually the only earner. The son at age 20 begins to earn. At 55 the head may retire, but another son may take his place as an earner. The proportions of families with income below Rs. 500 decreased continuously from about 42%, when the family head was under 20; to 15% when he was between 26-40; rose to 25% between ages 46-50; and declined to 12% at ages 56-60. The proportion rose again to 32% over age 60. The proportion of families below Rs. 1000 decreased from 89% in the 0-20 age group to 41% in the 51-55 group, after which it rose to 64% in the over 60 group. The median income of the family increased continously from Rs. 591 when the head was under 20, and increased to the highest level of Rs. 1275 between ages 51-55.     

A Review of the Current State of Negotiated Order Theory: an Appreciation and a Critique*

It is argued that the theory of negotiated order, which has remained largely submerged within a series of fairly specific “grounded” case studies of occupations, professions, and complex organizations in the health field, has a number of attractive qualities to it. As such, it represents one of the more exciting recent developments in the study of organizations The present paper examines the more recent historical origins of the theory, summarizes its major points, and critically assesses its strengths and weaknesses. Since most of the substance of the theory is found in studies of health professionals working in hospital settings, the examples used here are also derived from this particular body of literature. Some future possible directions which we believe will improve the overall explanatory power of the perspective are presented in the concluding section.