National Probability Sample (national + probability_sample)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


A Sex Difference by Item Difficulty Interaction in Multiple-Choice Mathematics Items Administered to National Probability Samples

JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT, Issue 1 2001
John Bielinski
A 1998 study by Bielinski and Davison reported a sex difference by item difficulty interaction in which easy items tended to be easier for females than males, and hard items tended to be harder for females than males. To extend their research to nationally representative samples of students, this study used math achievement data from the 1992 NAEP, the TIMSS, and the NELS:88. The data included students in grades 4, 8, 10, and 12. The interaction was assessed by correlating the item difficulty difference (bmale, bfemale) with item difficulty computed on the combined male/female sample. Using only the multiple-choice mathematics items, the predicted negative correlation was found for all eight populations and was significant in five. An argument is made that this phenomenon may help explain the greater variability in math achievement among males as compared to females and the emergence of higher performance of males in late adolescence. [source]


Marital Satisfaction Among African Americans and Black Caribbeans: Findings From the National Survey of American Life,

FAMILY RELATIONS, Issue 2 2008
Chalandra M. Bryant
Abstract: This study examines the correlates of marital satisfaction using data from a national probability sample of African Americans (N = 962) and Black Caribbeans (N = 560). Findings reveal differences between African Americans and Black Caribbeans, and men and women within those groups, in the predictors of marital satisfaction. Black Caribbean women reported overall higher levels of marital satisfaction than African American women. The findings amply demonstrate the significance of ethnic diversity within the Black population in the United States. Difficulties with finances (budgeting, credit issues, and debt management) are one of the key issues that generate conflict in marriages; stress generated as a result of financial problems can lower marital satisfaction. Because these issues are salient for couples at any given time in the family life cycle, counseling at critical points in the marriage (birth of children, launching of children from home, and retirement) may be helpful. [source]


Intergroup contact in Romania: When minority size is positively related to intergroup conflict

JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
Vasile Cernat
Abstract Contexts in which minority size is positively related to intergroup conflict are challenging for the contact hypothesis. In such situations, if opportunities for contact increase prejudice, the contact hypothesis may seem less credible, but if they reduce prejudice, the contact hypothesis may seem less useful for improving intergroup relations. Based on path analyses run on a Romanian national probability sample (N,=,733), the current research shows that the contact hypothesis can nevertheless be relevant. Because the Hungarian minority is concentrated in Transylvania, a region with a long history of conflict between Romanians and Hungarians, Transylvanians have more opportunities for out-group contact than other Romanians. However, the analyses also detected significant differences within Transylvania: Urban Transylvanians have more opportunities for contact with Hungarians than rural Transylvanians and, consequently, are less negative towards them. The results, which closely match recent historical events, suggest that a proper application of the contact hypothesis at a societal level has to take into account that minority size is not necessarily equivalent to opportunities for contact and that inter-regional comparisons in opportunities for contact can hide significant intra-regional differences. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Hispanic charitable giving: An opportunity for nonprofit development

NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP, Issue 2 2008
Jerry D. Marx
In 2003, the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that Hispanics had become the largest U.S. minority group. Representing 14 percent of the population, more than forty million Hispanics currently live in the United States and are a growing source of charitable giving. This study uses a national probability sample (n = 3,261) to examine variables that may influence Hispanic charitable giving in the United States to private nonprofit organizations. Logistic regression analyses indicated that Hispanics were eight times more likely to donate to human service organizations when using payroll deduction. In addition, Hispanics who were solicited for a donation by telephone were twice as likely to make a donation to educational organizations as Hispanic donors not solicited by phone. Volunteerism was also a predictor of Hispanic charitable giving. U.S. demographic trends and this study's findings suggest that nonprofit leaders, including those responsible for fundraising in private nonprofit organizations, need to be aware of the opportunities for Hispanic charitable support. [source]


Childhood trauma and marital outcomes in adulthood

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, Issue 4 2006
MARK A. WHISMAN
Although existing research suggests that certain childhood traumas such as childhood sexual abuse are associated with interpersonal (e.g., marital) difficulties in adulthood, there has been limited research on interpersonal sequelae of other types of traumas. In addition, the association between childhood traumas and interpersonal outcomes has often been limited to a particular outcome such as divorce, and existing studies have rarely controlled for the co-occurrence of other traumas when evaluating interpersonal outcomes. The current study sought to evaluate the associations between 7 childhood traumas and 2 marital outcomes,marital disruption (i.e., divorce and separation) and marital satisfaction,in a large, national probability sample. Results from univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that (a) probability of marital disruption was higher among people who during childhood had experienced physical abuse, rape, or serious physical attack or assault; and (b) current marital satisfaction was lower among people who during childhood had experienced rape or sexual molestation. Results support the importance of childhood traumas in predicting 2 important marital outcomes. [source]


,I or we': Family socialization values in a national probability sample in Taiwan

ASIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Luo Lu
The aim of the present secondary data analysis was to explore antecedents and consequences of family socialization values emphasizing independence or interdependence, using a Taiwanese national probability sample. Analysis of variance revealed that those who were male, older and less educated emphasized greater interdependence values. In contrast, those who were younger, with higher social status and urban residents emphasized greater independence values. Multiple regression analysis further revealed that valuing interdependence was related to preferring a greater number of offspring, a higher endorsement of filial piety, greater marital and life satisfaction. Finally, in this national sample, endorsement on independence and interdependence values was equivalent. [source]


Why primiparous mothers do not breastfeed in the United States: a national survey

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 11 2003
JS Taylor
Aim: To investigate primiparous women's primary reason for not breastfeeding. Methods: We used the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth to analyze the breastfeeding behaviors of a national probability sample of 6733 first-time US mothers, aged 15 to 44 y. Main outcome measures in this cross-sectional study were the reasons for never breastfeeding and reasons for stopping breastfeeding using closed-ended, multiple choice questions. Results: Most commonly, women did not breastfeed because they "preferred to bottle feed" (66.3%). The most common reason for stopping breastfeeding was that the child was "old enough to wean" (35.7%), although 15%, 34%, 54%, and 78% of those women had stopped breastfeeding by 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo, respectively. "Physical or medical problem" was reported by 14.9% of women who did not breastfeed and 26.9% of women who had stopped breastfeeding, making it the second most common reason for not breastfeeding in each group. There were significant differences across racial and ethnic groups. Conclusion: Additional studies are needed to better understand why women "prefer to bottle feed", especially black women. Increasingly effective programs and policies to promote breastfeeding will logically follow. Since physical and medical problems are such common reasons both for never breastfeeding and for stopping breastfeeding, individual healthcare providers can have a significant impact on breastfeeding rates and duration. [source]


Contemporary Immigration Policy Orientations Among Dominant-Group Members in Western Europe

JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES, Issue 3 2001
James S. Jackson
Predictors of immigration policy attitudes were investigated among members of receiving societies in large national probability samples in 15 Western European countries. We found that a considerable proportion of the variation in immigration policy orientations toward outgroups could be explained by self- and group interests and independent measures of perceived threat. Self-reported racism also contributed independently and significantly to these policy positions. It was concluded that a general framework of proximal self- and group-position indicators (Allport, 1954), perceived threat, and prejudice/racism was useful in predicting the immigrant policy orientations of dominant members of receiving societies across Western Europe. The meaning of these findings for future research on immigration policy orientations across, and especially within, European countries is discussed. [source]