Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Preliminary Testing For Normality: Is This A Good Practice?, H. J. Keselman, Abdul R. Othman, Rand R. Wilcox

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

Normality is a distributional requirement of classical test statistics. In order for the test statistic to provide valid results leading to sound and reliable conclusions this requirement must be satisfied. In the not too distant past, it was claimed that violations of normality would not likely jeopardize scientific findings (See Hsu & Feldt, 1969; Lunney, 1970). Recent revelations suggest otherwise (See e.g., Micceri, 1989; Keselman, Huberty, Lix et al., 1998; Erceg-Hurn, Wilcox, & Keselman, 2013; Wilcox and Keselman, 2003; Wilcox, 2012a, b). Unfortunately the data obtained in psychological investigations rarely, if ever, meet the requirement of normally distributed data (Micceri, …

Intrinsically Ties Adjusted Non-Parametric Method For The Analysis Of Two Sampled Data, G. U. Ebuh, I. C. A Oyeka

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

A non-parametric method for the analysis of two sample data is proposed that intrinsically and structurally adjusts the test statistic for the possible presence of tied observations between the sampled populations, thereby obviating the need to require the populations to be continuous. The populations may be measurements on as low as the ordinal scale, and need not be homogeneous. In cases where the null hypotheses are rejected, the test statistic enables the determination of which of the sampled populations is likely to be responsible for the rejection (a determination which the Wilcoxon Mann Whitney test cannot handle). The proposed method …

The Impact Of Continuity Violation On Anova And Alternative Methods, Björn Lantz

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

The normality assumption behind ANOVA and other parametric methods implies that response variables are measured on continuous scales. A simulation approach is used to explore the impact of continuity violation on the performance of statistical methods commonly used by applied researchers to compare locations across several groups.

The Single-Case Data Analysis Package: Analysing Single-Case Experiments With R Software, Isis Bulté, Patrick Onghena

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

The RcmdrPlugin.SCDA plug-in package is discussed. It integrates three R packages in the R commander interface: SCVA (for Single-Case Visual Analysis), SCRT (for Single-Case Randomization Tests), and SCMA (for Single-Case Meta-Analysis). This way the plug-in package covers three important steps in the analysis of single-case data.

A Comparison Between Biased And Unbiased Estimators In Ordinary Least Squares Regression, Ghadban Khalaf

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

During the past years, different kinds of estimators have been proposed as alternatives to the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimator for the estimation of the regression coefficients in the presence of multicollinearity. In the general linear regression model, Y = Xβ + e, it is known that multicollinearity makes statistical inference difficult and may even seriously distort the inference. Ridge regression, as viewed here, defines a class of estimators of β indexed by a scalar parameter k. Two methods of specifying k are proposed and evaluated in terms of Mean Square Error (MSE) by …

Discriminating Between Generalized Exponential Distribution And Some Life Test Models Based On Population Quantiles, B. Srinivasa Rao, R. R. L Kantam

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

A test statistic based on population quantiles using sample order statistics is suggested. The quantiles of the test statistics are evaluated for generalized exponential distribution. Similar test statistic based on moments of sample order statistic is referred and the proposed test formula is compared with it. Between the pairs of the above models it is established that the test formula proposed by us is more effective and useful than the formula based on the moments of order statistics as developed by Sultan (2007).

Comparison Of Parameters Of Lognormal Distribution Based On The Classical And Posterior Estimates, Raja Sultan, S. P. Ahmad

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

Lognormal distribution is widely used in scientific field, such as agricultural, entomological, biology etc. If a variable can be thought as the multiplicative product of some positive independent random variables, then it could be modelled as lognormal. In this study, maximum likelihood estimates and posterior estimates of the parameters of lognormal distribution are obtained and using these estimates we calculate the point estimates of mean and variance for making comparisons.

On Bayesian Estimation And Predictions For Two-Component Mixture Of The Gompertz Distribution, Navid Feroze, Muhammad Aslam

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

Mixtures models have received sizeable attention from analysts in the recent years. Some work on Bayesian estimation of the parameters of mixture models have appeared. However, the were restricted to the Bayes point estimation The methodology for the Bayesian interval estimation of the parameters for said models is still to be explored. This paper proposes the posterior interval estimation (along with point estimation) for the parameters of a two-component mixture of the Gompertz distribution. The posterior predictive intervals are also derived and evaluated. Different informative and non-informative priors are assumed under a couple of loss functions for the posterior analysis. …

A Generalized Class Of Estimators For Finite Population Variance In Presence Of Measurement Errors, Prayas Sharma, Rajesh Singh

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

The problem of estimating the population variance is presented using auxiliary information in the presence of measurement errors. The estimators in this article use auxiliary information to improve efficiency and assume that measurement error is present both in study and auxiliary variable. A numerical study is carried out to compare the performance of the proposed estimator with other estimators and the variance per unit estimator in the presence of measurement errors.

Robust Regression Estimators When There Are Tied Values, Rand R. Wilcox, Florence Clark

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

It is well known that when using the ordinary least squares regression estimator, outliers among the dependent variable can result in relatively poor power. Many robust regression estimators have been derived that address this problem, but the bulk of the results assume that the dependent variable is continuous. It is demonstrated that when there are tied values, several robust regression estimators can perform poorly in terms of controlling the Type I error probability, even with a large sample size. The presence of tied values does not necessarily mean that they perform poorly, but there is the issue of whether there …

Testing The Assumption Of Non-Differential Misclassification In Case-Control Studies, Tze-San Lee, Qin Hui

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

One of the not yet solved issues regarding the misclassification in case-control studies is whether the misclassification rates are the same for both cases and controls. Currently, a common practice is to assume that the rates are the same, that is, the non-differential misclassification assumption. However, it has been suspected that this assumption may not be valid in practical applications. Unfortunately, no test is available so far to test the validity of the non-differential misclassification assumption. A method is presented to test the validity of non-differential misclassification assumption in case-control studies with 2 × 2 tables when validation data are …

Ordered Logit Regression Modeling Of The Self-Rated Health In Hawai‘I, With Comparisons To The Ols Model, Hosik Min

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

Despite the ordinal nature of Self-Rated Health (SRH) variable, logistic regression models or regression models have been used without adequate justification for these applications. It is shown that ordered-logit regression model is the appropriate statistical strategy to estimate SRH, whereas the Ordinary LeastSquares model leads to biased conclusions.

Approximation Multivariate Distribution Of Main Indices Of Tehran Stock Exchange With Pair-Copula, G. Parham, A. Daneshkhah, O. Chatrabgoun

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

The multivariate distribution of five main indices of Tehran stock exchange is approximated using a pair-copula model. A vine graphical model is used to produce an n-dimensional copula. This is accomplished using a flexible copula called a minimum information (MI) copula as a part of pair-copula construction. Obtained results show that the achieved model has a good level of approximation.

Rhode Island Current Conditions Index -- November 2013, Leonard Lardaro

The Rhode Island Current Conditions Index

No abstract provided.

Cross Border Community Research, Opportunities And Challenges: Case Study Analyses, Paulette Meikle, Stephen King

Faculty Research and Creative Activity

In the context of a global knowledge economy, this paper underscores the need for cross border social and community research and suggests several critical procedures necessary for successful implementation of such research projects. Using data derived from diverse sources it describes the importance of cross border knowledge sharing, and critical procedures that enlarge the perimeter of traditional teaching and learning experiences. It further describes the advantages of implementing a combination of in-class instruction and field-based activities in international settings. A discussion of the constraints and benefits of conducting social and community-based fieldwork in politically stable developing countries follows.

Body Esteem, Peer Difficulties, And Perceptions Of Physical Health In Overweight And Obese Urban Children Ages 5 To 7 Years, Natalie A. Williams, Jennifer Fournier, Mace Coday, Phyllis A. Richey, Frances A. Tylavsky, Marion E. Hare

Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies: Faculty Publications

Objective—To determine whether there is an association between body mass index (BMI) and body esteem in young overweight and obese urban children, and to test peer relationship difficulties and perceived physical health as mediators of this relationship.

Methods—Child self-reported body esteem, and parent-reported child peer relationship difficulties (being bullied by peers and peer rejection) and physical health perceptions were obtained from 218 overweight and obese children ages 5–7 years (81% racial/ethnic minority, M BMI = 25.3) and their primary caregivers.

Results—Higher BMI was associated with lower body esteem for both girls and boys. This relation was mediated …

Office Of Ministry With The Deaf Newsletter, November 2013

Office of Ministry with the Deaf Newsletter

A newsletter published for Deaf Catholics in Springfield, MA

Office of Ministry with the Deaf Newsletter Finding Aid

Richard Smith. Mapping China And Managing The World: Culture, Cartography And Cosmology In Late Imperial Times. New York: Routledge, 2013., Daniel Knorr

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review.

Caizhen Lu. Poverty And Development In China: Alternative Approaches To Poverty Assessment. Routledge Contemporary China Series, 74. New York: Routledge. 2012., Tami Blumenfield Ph.D.

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review.

Transitional Justice: Prioritizing Truth Commissions Or International Tribunals To Ensure Healing And Reconciliation, Jlateh Vincent Jappah, Danielle Taana Smith

Journal of International and Global Studies

There is a recent increased examination of the effects of international funding for truth commissions and criminal tribunals in post-conflict societies as they transition to peace. The discourse on whether to prioritize truth commissions or international criminal tribunals and which form of transitional justice more effectively fosters healing and reconciliation continues to be highly polemical. This paper explores whether, in terms of post-conflict healing and reconciliation, international funding would be better spent on truth commissions than on international criminal tribunals or vice versa. It examines the complexities and heterogeneity of transitional societies and suggests that international funding for transitional justice …

Developing Paradise: Tourism, The Local Community, And Nature In Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic, John Ripton Ph.D.

Journal of International and Global Studies

Las Terrenas, a town in the Samanà province of the Dominican Republic, has experienced phenomenal growth of its tourist industry. Electricity only arrived in Las Terrenas in the late 1990s, yet today, more than 70 hotels and other establishments offer thousands of rooms in tourist accommodations. In little more than two decades, the population of Las Terrenas has mushroomed from a few hundred to nearly 20,000. While the forces of commercial development integrate Las Terrenas into the global economy, its municipal infrastructure simply has not kept pace. The national government finances the construction of roads and other projects to promote …

Transnational Policy Networks In Global Water Governance In India, Vandana Asthana Ph.D.

Journal of International and Global Studies

This paper argues that in the processes of global water governance, transnational policy networks play a significant role in defining spaces of engagement that privilege certain voices and versions. These networks produce narratives that not only convey storylines of sustainable water practices but also often have embedded within them the advocacy of a particular policy instrument that they intend to promote. What appears as knowledge is often structured towards the goal at which it is directed. Using application of private sector participation in water as an example from India, the paper explores how these power/knowledge regimes are established and supported …

Taiwan: Introspecting On A Democracy At An Existential Crossroad, Raviprasad Narayanan

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review on:

• Dafydd Fell. Government and Politics in Taiwan. Abingdon: Routledge. 2012.
• Jean-Marc.F. Blanchard & Hickey, Dennis, V. (Eds.). New Thinking about the Taiwan Issue – Theoretical insights into its origins, dynamics and prospects. New York: Routledge. 2012.

Joy Hendry. Understanding Japanese Society, 4th Edition. New York: Routledge, 2013., Ilana Maymind Ph.D.

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review.

Zheng Wang. Never Forget National Humiliation: Historical Memory In Chinese Politics And Foreign Relations. New York: Columbia University Press, 2012, Torsten Weber

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review.

Xiaowei Zang. Islam, Family Life, And Gender Inequality In Urban China. London/ New York: Routledge, 2012., Vanessa Frangville Ph.D.

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review.

Chad Haines. Nation, Territory And Globalisation In Pakistan: Traversing The Margins. New York: Routledge, 2012., Utathya Chattopadhyaya

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review.

Timothy De Waal Malefyt And Robert J. Morais. Advertising And Anthropology: Ethnographic Practice And Cultural Perspectives. New York: Berg, 2012., John Mccreery Ph.D.

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review.

Berenschot, Ward. Riot Politics: Hindu-Muslim Violence And The Indian State. New York: Columbia University Press, 2011., Daniel Jasper

Journal of International and Global Studies

Book review

Every Picture Tells A Story: The 2010 Round Of Congressional Redistricting In New England, Robert G. Boatright, James R. Gomes, Diana Evans, John Baughman, Nicholas M. Giner, Dante J. Scala, Amelia Najjar, Nicholas Rossi

Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise

The United States Constitution requires that

the number of representatives in Congress be

reapportioned among the states based on a decennial

census, and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled half a

century ago that congressional districts within each

state must be, as nearly as practicable, equal in

population. However, the actual drawing of district

lines for our national lower house and the methods

employed for doing so are largely left to the individual

states. Redistricting thus presents a fertile field for

the comparative examination of state politics and

political institutions.