Approximation of power in multivariate analysis

We consider the calculation of power functions in classical multivariate analysis. In this context, power can be expressed in terms of tail probabilities of certain noncentral distributions. The necessary noncentral distribution theory was developed between the 1940s and 1970s by a number of authors. However, tractable methods for calculating the relevant probabilities have been lacking. In this paper we present simple yet extremely accurate saddlepoint approximations to power functions associated with the following classical test statistics: the likelihood ratio statistic for testing the general linear hypothesis in MANOVA; the likelihood ratio statistic for testing block independence; and Bartlett's modified likelihood ratio statistic for testing equality of covariance matrices.     

Rating methodological quality: toward improved assessment and investigation

Assessing methodological quality is considered essential in deciding what investigations to include in research syntheses and in detecting potential sources of bias in meta-analytic results. Quality assessment is also useful in characterizing the strengths and limitations of the research in an area of study. Although numerous instruments to measure research quality have been developed, they have lacked empirically-supported components. In addition, different summary quality scales have yielded different findings when they were used to weight treatment effect estimates for the same body of research. Suggestions for developing improved quality instruments include: distinguishing distinct domains of quality, such as internal validity, external validity, the completeness of the study report, and adherence to ethical practices; focusing on individual aspects, rather than domains of quality; and focusing on empirically-verified criteria. Other ways to facilitate the constructive use of quality assessment are to improve and standardize the reporting of research investigations, so that the quality of studies can be more equitably and thoroughly compared, and to identify optimal methods for incorporating study quality ratings into meta-analyses.     

How Many Balance Functions Does it Take to Determine a Utility Function?

Call b your balance function at wealth W if you are indifferent between W and a 50–50 lottery with outcomes x and b(x). Given one b, u is arbitrary on one side of W but then determined on the other. Given two b‘s, u is arbitrary between the two W′ s but then determined elsewhere. Additional properties of u restrict the b’s but do not ordinarily make u unique. Contradictions can occur. Given three b′ s, an algorithm is developed using minimal domains of definition that determines the relative utility of the W’s. If it is irrational, then the set S generated by applying all combinations of b’s to W′ s is dense and u is determined. If finitely many b’s are rationally related, then S is discrete, a further algorithm determines it, the values of u on S are equally spaced, and u is arbitrary between any two adjacent points of S but then determined elsewhere. Infinitely many balance functions determine u unless they are rationally related in a uniform way.JEL Classification: D81     

Rationalizing branch banking

Large organizations and particularly organizations with the complex structure of branch banking, require time to change. The author does not suggest that there are any clear answers to the strategic planning problems facing branch banking. Today's advanced technology provides new tools to respond to change and progress. To do this accurate assessment of market segments, an effective internal management structure, efficient management and a level and quality of staff to use the new technology are required. This, in turn, will demand new recruitment and training methods.     

Eskimo Education in the Canadian Arctic

En premier lieu cet article inventorie la litterature traitant des caracteristiques des enseignants, du programme d'etude et des techniques pedagogiques en au-tant que ces elements sont efficaces dans l'education des jeunes indiens et esqui-maux. Par apres, en s'appuyant sur l'ensemble des publications sur le sujet et sur les propres etudes nordiques de l'auteur a printemps 1969 on cherche a savoir jusqu'a quel point ces caracteristiques ideales du professeur, du programme et des techniques pedagogiques se retrouvent dans les salles de cours du nord. II semble que les enseignants autochtones esquimaux, meme avec peu d'entrainement, obtiendraient de meilleurs resultats scolaires que les edu-cateurs blancs durant les premieres annees. Un programme de cette nature de type experimental est maintenant en cours au Nouveau Quebec. Les professeurs esquimaux enseignent en esquimau et utilisent un materiel didactique special. This paper first reviews the literature on teacher characteristics, curriculum, and classroom teaching techniques as these relate to effectiveness in teaching Indian and Eskimo children. There follows a consideration of the extent to which ideal teacher and curriculum characteristics and teaching techniques are found in northern classrooms, based on published literature and the author's research in the north in the spring of 1969. It appears that ill-trained Eskimo teachers might teach the early grades more effectively than white teachers. Such an experimental program is found in Nouveau Quebec where Eskimo teachers using special material use Eskimo as the language of instruction.