Double robust estimator in general treatment regimes based on Covariate-balancing

Double robust estimators have double the chance of being a consistent estimator of a causal effect in binary treatments cases. In this paper, we proposed an estimator of a causal effect for general treatment regimes based on covariate-balancing. Under parametrical situation, our estimator has double robustness.     

How much is too much: Does the size of income support transfers affect labor supply?

Cash transfer programs pursue mainly protective objectives, but can also impact rural livelihoods by inducing investments in productive activities and changing household labor allocation. We adopt a continuous treatment approach to quantify how households’ labor supply responds to transfer size. We find a shift from paid labor to own farm labor and find that the transfer size is well within a level that would have disincentive effects on time spent on own farm activities. The switch from paid to own farm labor occurs at lower levels of transfers for labor-constrained households, and at higher levels for non-labor constrained households.     

Family violence in gambling help-seeking populations

Elevated rates of family violence among treatment-seeking problem gamblers compared to general population estimates have been reported in Spain, Canada and Australia. This study examined the occurrence of family violence among 454 problem gambling help-seeking clients (370 gamblers, 84 affected others) recruited through 3 national gambling treatment services in New Zealand. Measures used were the Problem Gambling Severity Index, and a modified version of the HITS Scale which assessed physical, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse. Past-year family violence among gamblers in this sample was 46.8% for victimization, 41.2% for perpetration and 55.0% for any form of family violence. Among affected others the occurrence was 65.5% for victimization, 57.1% for perpetration and 71.4% for any form of violence. The most common type of violence was verbal intimate partner violence. Affected others and women gamblers reported higher rates of violence victimization and perpetration. These findings underscore the importance of screening gambling help-seeking clients for family violence, and the development of prevention and treatment programmes to address violence in this population, with particular attention to affected others and women gamblers. Future research should assess coercive control and the gendered nature of family violence among problem gambling help-seekers.     

Relearning to Live Life Without Substances: A Grounded Theory of the Impact of Group Physical Exercise on Sobriety

Research has found significant benefits in using exercise as an adjunct treatment for substance use. This study used a qualitative grounded theory approach to explore the role of group exercise on maintaining sobriety. Sixteen persons (13 White men and 3 White women, age M = 31.81, SD = 8.23), recruited from a substance use recovery group that meets at a gym in an urban area in the Southeast part of the United States, were individually interviewed. Data were analyzed using Charmaz’s (2006) constructivist grounded theory strategies. Central themes revealed a parallel process between the steps taken to seek sobriety and those taken to maintain sobriety. The driving forces of sobriety success in both was 12 steps and group exercise programming that included elements of mentorship, structure, accountability, and fellowship or community. This study supported the use of physical group exercise as an adjunct treatment option for substance use treatment.     

Preliminary evaluation of contingent meals and telephone use to improve evidence-supported family therapy session attendance in mothers referred by Child Protective Services for substance abuse

Persons referred by Child Protective Services (CPS) for substance abuse evidence high rates of nonattendance to therapy sessions, taxing systems of care and exacerbating outcomes. This study examined the influence of two telephone-based incentive programs on therapy session attendance in mothers who were referred by CPS for substance abuse. After baseline therapy session attendance was established in an evidence-based clinic that incorporated a telephone engagement intervention (Phase I), participants were provided free cellular telephones with limited minutes and permitted to order free meals delivered by the therapist during upcoming sessions (Phase II). The third phase was similar to Phase II, but participants were provided unlimited minutes. Results indicated that participants’ attendance was significantly improved when meals and cellular telephone minutes were contingent on attendance. Although the percentage of sessions attended by participants during Phase III was higher than Phase II, unlimited minutes and meals did not significantly enhance attendance relative to limited minutes and meals. Session attendance for significant others of these participants was significantly higher during Phase III as compared with Phase I. Session attendance of significant others was statistically similar between Phase I and II and between Phase II and Phase III. Study implications and recommendations for future research and practice are discussed in light of the findings.     

美丽乡村建设中村民获得感调查报告

青浦美丽乡村建设除了项目建设的一般意义之外,还具有两个特别的意义:一是生态保护的意义,它不是一个单纯的施惠过程,而是一次共享发展的机会;二是社会综合治理意义,它是一次治理社会管理顽疾的契机,可以唤起村民的公共意识,共同克服生活陋习,集体守望美丽家园.这对整体提升区域文明程度和市民幸福感,进而培育向上向善的社会力量具有重要作用.     

中国教育资源市场化与个体选择：初中课外补习效应异质性探究

本文在中国教育资源市场化的背景下,探究了初中课外补习对学业成绩的效应异质性及其对教育公平的启示。通过分析“中国教育追踪调查”（CEPS）的数据发现,从同质性效应来看,参加课外补习对于提升初中生学习成绩没有显著影响,但参与课外补习的倾向性影响其效应异质性。课外补习有助于提高倾向性处于中间水平学生的学习成绩,表明课外补习受益学生大多来自学习成绩中等的普通工薪家庭。对于倾向性较低的大多数相对弱势的家庭和倾向性较高的少数优势家庭而言,课外补习对学业成绩的作用微乎其微。研究表明,中国教育领域的市场化变革和相关政策的制定需要考虑个体教育选择的复杂性及其对教育公平所造成的深刻影响。     

国外教师差别行为的研究现状与展望

近年来国外对教师差别行为的研究取得了较大的成就。文章从差别行为的研究范式、结构与测量及研究内容三个方面对该领域的现状进行描述,并在此基础上对该现象的未来发展趋势进行展望,以期人们能更好地把握该领域的发展轮廓,推动该领域的研究与发展。     

试论治理腐败的逻辑

为了选择有效治理腐败的方法,首先要解决针对有效治理腐败的逻辑思维问题。目前各国普遍使用的“治理腐败逻辑”有三种:一是减少介入腐败的机会;二是提高介入腐败的代价;三是增强腐败免疫力。这三种逻辑及其策略均具有各自的局限性,只有综合运用三种逻辑及其策略,才能有效治理腐败。