A stratified unrelated question randomized response model using Neyman allocation

This paper applies stratified random sampling using Neyman allocation to Mangat et al. (1992 Mangat, N.S., Singh, R., Singh, S. (1992). An improved unrelated question randomized response strategy. Cal. Stat. Assoc. Bull. 42:277–281.[Crossref] , [Google Scholar]) unrelated question randomized response (RR) strategy for both completely truthful reporting and less than completely truthful reporting. It is shown that, for the prior information given, our new model is more efficient in terms of variance (in the case of completely truthful reporting) and mean square error (in terms of less than completely truthful reporting) than Kim and Elam's (2007 Kim, J.M., Elam, M.E. (2007). A stratified unrelated question randomized response model. Stat. Papers 48:215–233.[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) model. Numerical illustrations and graphs are also given in support of the present study.     

An optional randomized response model for estimating a rare sensitive attribute using Poisson distribution

The crux of this article is to estimate the mean of the number of persons possessing a rare sensitive attribute based on the Mangat (1991 Mangat, N.S. (1991). An optional randomized response sampling technique using non–stigmatized attribute. Statistica. 51(4):595–602. [Google Scholar]) randomization device by utilizing the Poisson distribution in simple random sampling and stratified sampling. Properties of the proposed randomized response (RR) model have been studied along with recommendations. It is also shown that the proposed model is more efficient than that of Land et al. (2011 Land, M., Singh, S., Sedory, S.A. (2011). Estimation of a rare attribute using Poisson distribution. Statistics. 46(3):351–360.[Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) in simple random sampling and that of Lee et al. (2013 Lee, G.S., Uhm, D., Kim, J.M. (2013). Estimation of a rare sensitive attribute in stratified sampling using Poisson distribution. Statistics. 47(3):575–589.[Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) in stratified random sampling when the proportion of persons possessing a rare unrelated attribute is known. Numerical illustrations are also given in support of the present study.     

On the estimation of a sensitive quantitative mean using blank cards

In this article, we introduce for the first time, the blank card methods for estimation of finite population mean of a sensitive variable. Two generic randomization devices are suggested, and for each device we identify the choices of special models. We introduce additive, multiplicative, and combination of both additive and multiplicative scrambling models that require use of a non sensitive variable. We derive the basic statistical properties of each model. It is interesting to note that various existing estimators can be viewed as the special cases of those presented here. The statistical efficiency of proposed techniques is compared with Greenberg et al. (1971 Greenberg, B.G., Kuebler Jr, R.R., Abernathy, J.R., Horvitz, D.G. (1971). Application of the randomized response technique in obtaining quantitative data. J. Am. Stat. Assoc. 66(334):243–250.[Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) and modified Perri (2008 Perri, P.F. (2008). Modified randomized devices for Simmons’ model. Model Assisted Stat. Appl. 3(3):233–239. [Google Scholar]) model. The proposed devices can easily be adjusted to achieve the required efficiency level by making suitable choices of different design parameters.     

Schematic saturated orthogonal arrays obtained by using the contractive replacement method

This paper presents a general method of constructing schematic saturated orthogonal arrays of strength two. We consider a class of mixed saturated orthogonal arrays produced from saturated symmetric orthogonal arrays by using the contractive replacement method, study the Hamming distances of the rows, construct their association schemes, and prove that they are schematic. Some examples are given to illustrate this construction method.     

Improved estimation methods for unrelated question randomized response techniques

The randomized response technique (RRT) is an important tool, commonly used to avoid biased answers in survey on sensitive issues by preserving the respondents’ privacy. In this paper, we introduce a data collection method for survey on sensitive issues combining both the unrelated-question RRT and the direct question design. The direct questioning method is utilized to obtain responses to a non sensitive question that is related to the innocuous question from the unrelated-question RRT. These responses serve as additional information that can be used to improve the estimation of the prevalence of the sensitive behavior. Furthermore, we propose two new methods for the estimation of the proportion of respondents possessing the sensitive attribute under a missing data setup. More specifically, we develop the weighted estimator and the weighted conditional likelihood estimator. The performances of our estimators are studied numerically and compared with that of an existing one. Both proposed estimators are more efficient than the Greenberg's estimator. We illustrate our methods using real data from a survey study on illegal use of cable TV service in Taiwan.     

Pairwise comparisons of treatments with ordinal responses in a two-way setting

In clinical studies, pairwise comparisons are frequently performed to examine differences in efficacy between treatments. The statistical methods of pairwise comparisons are available when treatment responses are measured on an ordinal scale. The Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test and the latent normal model are popular examples. However, these procedures cannot be used to compare treatments in parallel groups (a two-way design) when overall type I error must be controlled. In this paper, we explore statistical approaches to the pairwise testing of treatments that satisfy the requirements of a two-way layout. The results of our simulation indicate that the latent normal approach is superior to the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test. Clinical examples are used to illustrate our suggested testing methods.     

From salons to the native reserve: reformulating the “native question” through pictorial photography in 1950s South Africa

The article provides a critical reflection on the practice of photographic salon exhibitions in the 1950s. In South Africa and abroad, there was a resurgence of photographic societies from the early 1950s that encouraged amateur photographers to create images based on a distinct visual grammar, thereby offering them not only an opportunity to display their work but to compete amongst each other. Subsequently, salon exhibitions produced work that would be judged on its pictorial rather than strict representational value thereby depoliticising the exhibition space. On the other hand, this article seeks to place this practice in the realm of racial segregation under apartheid by considering the deployment of the “black subject” in the native rural reserve in Joseph Denfield’s (1911–1967) work. Through a study of his ethnographic photographs which were exhibited internationally in this period as pictorial work, as well as his intellectualisation of his practice as native photography, it argues that the space of the salon allowed him to pose the “native question” pictorially, that is, provided a discourse through which the “native” could be “known” and ordered.     

The effect of product-harm crisis situations on firms’ spokesperson strategies: Evidence from China's emerging market economy

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence product-harm crisis situations have on, a firm's spokesperson strategies in China's emerging market economy. Through the content analysis of, 127 product-harm crises, crisis type is found to be a predictor of spokesperson strategies. Compared, with Chinese brands, foreign brands are less likely to employ top-executive spokesperson strategies, during product-harm crises. Crisis severity was found to have no impact on the adoption of, spokesperson strategies.     

高校经管类学生参与科研意愿的影响因素分析——基于安徽省8所高校的问卷调查

大学生参与科研是高校培养双创型人才的重要途径之一,高校经管类专业学生培养存在重理论、轻实践的现象。安徽省8所高校1406名经济管理类学生科研意愿的实证分析表明:年级、学习成绩、科研重要性认知、科研了解程度和学校科研活动开展对大学生科研意愿有显著影响。高校在经管类学生培养过程中应通过加强科研宣传推广、开设科研训练课程、丰富科研活动多样性、激励教师科研指导和开拓校外实践教学基地建设等措施增强学生参与科研的积极性,提升学生的双创能力。