Approximate regression models and splines

The literature pertaining to splines in regression analysis is reviewed. Spline regression is motivated as a simple extension of the basic polynomial regression model. Using this framework, the concepts of fixed and variable knot spline regression are developed and corresponding inferential procedures are considered. Smoothing splines are also seen to be an extension of polynomial regression and various optimality properties, as well as inferential and diagnostic methods, for these types of splines are discussed.     

Large sample inference in random coefficient regression models

Random coefficient regression models have been used t odescribe repeated measures on members of a sample of n in dividuals . Previous researchers have proposed methods of estimating the mean parameters of such models. Their methods require that eachindividual be observed under the same settings of independent variablesor , lesss stringently , that the number of observations ,r , on each individual be the same. Under the latter restriction ,estimators of mean regression parameters exist which are consist ent as both r^→∞and n^→∞ and efficient as r^→∞, and large sample ( r large ) tests of mean parameters are available . These results are easily extended to the case where not a11 individuals are observed an equal number of times provided limit are taken as min(r) → ∞. Existing methods of inference , however, are not justified by the current literature when n is large and r is small, as is the case i n many bio-medical applications . The primary con tribution of the current paper is a derivation of the asymptotic properties of modifications of existing estimators as n alone tends to infinity, r fixed. From these properties it is shown that existing methods of inference, which are currently justified only when min(r) is large, are also justifiable when n is large and min(r) is small. A secondary contribution is the definition of a positive definite estimator of the covariance matrix for the random coefficients in these models. Use of this estimator avoids computational problems that can otherwise arise.     

A test for second order stochastic dominance

In this paper we propose a test for second order stochastic dominance (SSD), for the case where both distribution functions are unknown. This is a generalization of a test proposed by Deshpande and Singh (1985), who compare a new random prospect with a known distribution function. We then show that our test is based on comparing the mean minus one half of Gini's mean difference of the distributions, which is known to be a necessary condition for SSD, as developed in the economics literature (Yitzhaki, 1982).     

Modeling and solution of practical management problems through netforms

This paper shows some useful schemes to graphically depict netform models of practical inventory problems. We begin with a simple inventory problem and then progress to more comprehensive representations of an inventory system by network and netform model techniques. Some text books mention that very basic inventory problems may be modeled as networks. But they usually offer very little instruction in the actual development of a network inventory model, and invariably conclude that network models can't accommodate the complications of the vast majority of realworld inventory problems. Further, they completely fail to convey the modeling power available to more general netform (network-related formulation) techniques. As text books catch up to the recent innovations now being applied in practical settings, this deficiency will change. Our purpose is to introduce the fundamental ideas and to provide an understanding of the possibilities inherent in these model innovations. We begin from first principles, so that no prior familiarity with network model representations is necessary to follow the exposition. Because of a heavy reliance on pictorial illustrations (another of the unique advantages of networks and netforms), we have also avoided the use of complex mathematical notation, and develop the key concepts by informal discussion.     

Timber,Minerals, and Social Change: An Exploratory Test of Two Resource-Dependent Communities1

Abstract There are few empirical tests of the relationship between local resource production and community social systems. This paper reports the results of research on two communities in northern Idaho: one timber-dependent, the other mining-dependent. Data were collected for 13 indicators of resource production and 15 indicators of social change for periods up to 65 years. Regression analysis was used to test if community social change is associated with the production level of local resource systems. The final models support the hypothesis in both communities. The form, lag condition, and strength of the relationship is complex and may vary with the dependent indicator. The original causal image—the rural community with a social order that directly responds to changes in local resource production—is blurred. Suggestions are made for future research.     

Sociology out to lunch: Grad students’ treat

This collective effort (the order of authors is purely alphabetical) explores our particular sociological perspective, explains the harriers we are encountering in developing that perspective, and describes the strategies we are employing to create a participatory educational environment. Our paper concludes that our alienation has decreased as our participation has increased. Now, three months after the paper went to the printer, developments in our department have to some extent reversed the sense of community and participation we discuss below. Our task is larger than we first thought, though we still hope to succeed. The “Minnesota Collective” consists of the following students at the University of Minnesota: Gayle Gordon Bouzard, a fourth-year student who currently is conducting research on the professional socialization of women in academe; Kristin Jonasdottir, a third-year student who currently is conducting historical research on the National Organization for Women; Michael E. O’Neal, a fifth-year student who is planning a dissertation on welfare state systems in the U.S. and Europe; and Randy Stoecker, a fourth-year student who is writing a dissertation on the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood movement in Minneapolis.     

The Organizational Role of Clinical Practice Models in Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice

This paper presents a method for using different practice models as the basis for organizing interdisciplinary clinical teams. The different dimensions of multidimensional practice models are used for selecting the various professionals involved in these teams. The Neuman Systems Model (Neuman & Young, 1972; Neuman, 1995) is used to illustrate how this process works by structuring interdisciplinary teams along its five overarching and interrelated dimensions of human experience—psychological, physiological, sociocultural, spiritual and developmental. By extrapolating these five areas to their respective disciplines, a protocol is developed for selecting the necessary professionals while establishing the parameters of each professional's involvement. By specifically addressing the relevant clinical dimensions of a particular model, interdisciplinary teams can formulate a more theoretical, holistic, and comprehensive assessment and treatment plan. This approach also allows multiple client problems to be addressed simultaneously in a more systemic and efficient manner than could be accomplished by any one profession alone. A case study demonstrating the approach is included.     

Visions of development: faith-based initiatives

As someone who fears all religions, reviewing a book on faith-baseddevelopment is a particular challenge for me. I am among thosewhom the editor of this book charges with seeing religion ‘aspart of the problem rather than as part of the solution.’(p. 167). So I ventured into this book with trepidation. My more basic fears were laid to rest, however. Among the storiestold from across the developing world, and from religions suchas Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Mayan, the Bahá'ífaith, and various versions of animism, is a great deal of honesty.The stories     

Variance estimation for the finite population distribution function with complete auxiliary information

The authors develop jackknife and analytical variance estimators for the estimator of Chambers & Dunstan (1986) and Rao, Kovar & Mantel (1990) of the finite population distribution function, using complete auxiliary information. They also describe the associated model and show the design consistency of the variance estimators, whose small‐sample performance is examined through a limited simulation study. They highlight the operational advantages of the jackknife in the model‐based setting of Chambers & Dunstan (1986) and its better conditional performance in the design‐based setting of Rao, Kovar & Mantel (1990).     

Pride in task completion and organizational citizenship behaviour: Evidence from the ethnographic literature

Pride in task completion has been observed to be consistently important to workers, although these self-conscious emotions have received little attention as a construct worthy of investigation in the workplace. Organizational ethnographies provide a unique opportunity for an in-depth look at pride and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB), An analysis of the existing set of published book-length workplace ethnographies (n = 108) reveals that both job satisfaction and pride in task completion are significantly associated with OCB. Associations between pride and OCB appear to be stronger than associations between job satisfaction and OCB. Workers' characteristic mood states, such as the pleasurable emotions created by pride in work and unpleasant feelings of shame from perceptions of chronic failure, appear to be highly relevant to the promotion of desirable outcomes for organizations. The results of this study illustrate the value of ethnographic data in the study of workplace emotions, cognitions, and their potential behavioural sequelae