Randomized response techniques for complex survey designs

Singh et al. ([13]) pointed out that the Randomized response (RR) technique proposed by Moors ([9]) is not desirable because it fails to protect the confidentiality of the respondents and they provided two alternative strategies free from the above drawback but limited to SRSWOR sampling only. In this paper, generalization of one of the strategies is provided for complex survey designs, wider class of estimators and for quantitative characteristics. Relative efficiency of the modified strategy is tested through empirical investigations. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Randomized Response Techniques Using Maximum Likelihood Estimator

The randomized response (RR) technique with two decks of cards proposed by Odumade and Singh (2009) can always be made more efficient than the RR techniques proposed by Warner (1965), Mangat and Singh (1990), and Mangat (1994) by adjusting the proportion of cards in the decks. Arnab et al. (2012) generalized Odumade and Singh strategy (2009) for complex survey designs and wider class of estimators. In this paper improvement of Arnab et al. (2012) estimator has been made by using maximum likelihood method.     

Estimation of a finite population total in two-stage and stratified sampling under superpopulation models

Optimal sampling strategies which minimise the expected mean square error for a linear design as well as model-design unbiased estimators for a finite population total for two-stage and stratified sampling are obtained under different superpopu1ation models     

Optional randomized response techniques for quantitative characteristics

Gupta et al. and Huang considered optional randomized response techniques where the probability of choosing the randomized (or direct) response is fixed for all the respondents. In this paper the assumption of the constant probability of choosing the option has been relaxed by dividing respondents into two groups: one group provides direct response and the second a randomized response. The method of estimation of the population mean and variances under the modified assumption are obtained. Relative efficiencies of the proposed techniques are compared theoretically and empirically.     

Testing in semiparametric models with interaction, with applications to gene–environment interactions

Summary.  Motivated from the problem of testing for genetic effects on complex traits in the presence of gene–environment interaction, we develop score tests in general semiparametric regression problems that involves Tukey style 1 degree-of-freedom form of interaction between parametrically and non-parametrically modelled covariates. We find that the score test in this type of model, as recently developed by Chatterjee and co-workers in the fully parametric setting, is biased and requires undersmoothing to be valid in the presence of non-parametric components. Moreover, in the presence of repeated outcomes, the asymptotic distribution of the score test depends on the estimation of functions which are defined as solutions of integral equations, making implementation difficult and computationally taxing. We develop profiled score statistics which are unbiased and asymptotically efficient and can be performed by using standard bandwidth selection methods. In addition, to overcome the difficulty of solving functional equations, we give easy interpretations of the target functions, which in turn allow us to develop estimation procedures that can be easily implemented by using standard computational methods. We present simulation studies to evaluate type I error and power of the method proposed compared with a naive test that does not consider interaction. Finally, we illustrate our methodology by analysing data from a case–control study of colorectal adenoma that was designed to investigate the association between colorectal adenoma and the candidate gene NAT2 in relation to smoking history.     

The Dynamics of Income Growth and Poverty: Evidence from Districts in India

This article examines the dynamics of the income‐distribution pattern in India during the post‐1991 economic reforms. It considers district‐level per‐capita income data across agriculture, manufacturing, services, and various constituent sub‐sectors, and finds evidence in favour of a uniform process of growth across sectors and regions, which has helped to reduce poverty. In particular, the article finds that growth in agricultural income and access to finance are important for this.     

A NOTE ON VARIANCE ESTIMATION FOR THE GENERALIZED REGRESSION PREDICTOR

The generalized regression (GREG) predictor is used for estimating a finite population total when the study variable is well‐related to the auxiliary variable. In 1997, Chaudhuri & Roy provided an optimal estimator for the variance of the GREG predictor within a class of non‐homogeneous quadratic estimators (H) under a certain superpopulation model M. They also found an inequality concerning the expected variances of the estimators of the variance of the GREG predictor belonging to the class H under the model M. This paper shows that the derivation of the optimal estimator and relevant inequality, presented by Chaudhuri & Roy, are incorrect.     

A Sociological Review of China's Social Credit Systems and Guanxi Opportunities for Social Mobility

This paper proposes a novel understanding of social mobility in China by exploring the literature on social credit systems. I propose that social credit systems, which include credit rating systems and factors of social governance, can affect occupational attainment, as they may influence or function in tandem with guanxi networks. Through social credit systems, there could possibly be a new order of stratification powered by norms of social conformity. These systems can curtail social mobility efforts by designating some individuals as high risk. In addition, these systems can regulate social behaviors, as actions that are considered “right” are rewarded, while “wrong” actions result in penalties.     

TWO-STAGE SAMPLING OVER TWO OCCASIONS

We propose a general sampling strategy for estimating a finite population total for the current occasion based on a two-stage sampling scheme adopted on the current and a previous occasion. This is in generalization of sampling schemes considered earlier by, among others, Singh (1968), Abraham, Khosla & Kathuria (1969), Singh & Kathuria (1969) and Kathuria (1975). Applications of the general strategy in specific situations are illustrated.