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Consistent Predictor (consistent + predictor)
Selected AbstractsDoes the MBA Experience Support Diversity?DECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 2 2010Demographic Effects on Program Satisfaction ABSTRACT Using data provided by graduates from 128 MBA programs, we examined the extent to which age, gender, and ethnicity predicted student perceptions of the MBA experience. We found that women and minorities were more likely to see program costs and the availability of financial support as significant factors in their program enrollment decisions than were Caucasian males. The most consistent predictor of students' perceptions of their educational experience was whether the MBA program was full time or part time, with full-time programs generally perceived more favorably. Our findings suggest that because diversity measures of age, gender, and ethnicity were not consistent predictors across the different perception areas, at minimum, MBA programs presently do not consistently inhibit diversity. However, given the increasing percentage of women and minorities that comprise the undergraduate population, maintaining the present path in program accessibility may create enrollment problems for MBA programs perhaps in the very near future. Therefore, we conclude with a discussion of the changing demographics in higher education and their potential implications for MBA programs and suggestions for how MBA programs might respond. [source] Reproductive factors, exogenous hormone use and bladder cancer risk in a prospective study,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 10 2006Marie M. Cantwell Abstract Sex is a consistent predictor of bladder cancer: men experience 2,4-fold higher age-adjusted rates than women in the U.S. and Europe. The objective of this study was to examine whether hormone-related factors are associated with bladder cancer in women. We examined parity, age at menarche, age at first birth, age at menopause, oral contraceptive use and menopausal hormone therapy (HT) use and bladder cancer risk in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project Follow-Up Study. Endpoint and exposure information was collected on 54,308 women, using annual telephone interviews (1980,86) and 3 mailed, self-administered questionnaires (1987,98). During an average follow-up time of 15.3 years, 167 cases of bladder cancer were identified. Univariate and adjusted rate ratios (RRs) were estimated using Poisson regression. Parity, age at menarche, age at first birth, age at menopause, and oral contraceptive use were not associated with bladder cancer risk. The majority of menopausal women who took HT used estrogen therapy (ET). Postmenopausal women with less than 4 years, 4,9 years, 10,19 years and 20 or more years of ET use had RRs of 1.55 (95% CI = 0.96,2.51), 1.00 (95% CI = 0.49,2.04), 1.23 (95% CI = 0.62,2.43) and 0.57 (95% CI = 0.14,2.34), respectively, compared with nonusers (p = 0.50). Findings from this study are not consistent with the hypothesis that hormone-related factors in women are associated with bladder cancer. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A measure of disclosure risk for microdataJOURNAL OF THE ROYAL STATISTICAL SOCIETY: SERIES B (STATISTICAL METHODOLOGY), Issue 4 2002C. J. Skinner Summary. Protection against disclosure is important for statistical agencies releasing microdata files from sample surveys. Simple measures of disclosure risk can provide useful evidence to support decisions about release. We propose a new measure of disclosure risk: the probability that a unique match between a microdata record and a population unit is correct. We argue that this measure has at least two advantages. First, we suggest that it may be a more realistic measure of risk than two measures that are currently used with census data. Second, we show that consistent inference (in a specified sense) may be made about this measure from sample data without strong modelling assumptions. This is a surprising finding, in its contrast with the properties of the two ,similar' established measures. As a result, this measure has potentially useful applications to sample surveys. In addition to obtaining a simple consistent predictor of the measure, we propose a simple variance estimator and show that it is consistent. We also consider the extension of inference to allow for certain complex sampling schemes. We present a numerical study based on 1991 census data for about 450 000 enumerated individuals in one area of Great Britain. We show that the theoretical results on the properties of the point predictor of the measure of risk and its variance estimator hold to a good approximation for these data. [source] Do attributions mediate the association between attachment and negative couple communication?PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, Issue 2 2008ZOE J. PEARCE This study explored whether attributions for negative partner behavior mediate the association between insecure attachment and negative couple communication, using both self-report and observational data. A sample of 59 married and cohabiting Australian couples completed self-report measures of attachment, attributions, and communication; were videotaped participating in two 10-min problem-solving discussions; and were assessed on their attributions during the discussions using video-mediated recall. Multilevel modeling found that female attachment insecurity was the most consistent predictor of self-reported and observed couple communication, and negative attributions mediated the association between attachment and self-reported couple communication. These findings suggested that attachment insecurity increased the likelihood that negative attributions were generated, which, in some cases, then influenced the style of communication each partner reported. [source] Citizens, Knowledge, and the Information EnvironmentAMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2006Jennifer Jerit In a democracy, knowledge is power. Research explaining the determinants of knowledge focuses on unchanging demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. This study combines data on the public's knowledge of nearly 50 political issues with media coverage of those topics. In a two-part analysis, we demonstrate how education, the strongest and most consistent predictor of political knowledge, has a more nuanced connection to learning than is commonly recognized. Sometimes education is positively related to knowledge. In other instances its effect is negligible. A substantial part of the variation in the education-knowledge relationship is due to the amount of information available in the mass media. This study is among the first to distinguish the short-term, aggregate-level influences on political knowledge from the largely static individual-level predictors and to empirically demonstrate the importance of the information environment. [source] Theory in practice: Helping providers address depression in diabetes care,THE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS, Issue 3 2010Chandra Y. Osborn PhD Abstract Introduction A continuing education (CE) program based on the theory of planned behavior was designed to understand and improve health care providers' practice patterns in screening, assessing, and treating and/or referring patients with diabetes for depression treatment. Methods Participants completed assessments of attitudes, confidence, intentions, and behaviors regarding depression management at 3 time points: immediately prior to the CE program (baseline), immediately after the CE program (posttest) and 6 weeks after the CE program (follow-up). Results Ninety-eight providers attended the CE program: 71 completed the baseline assessment, 66 completed the posttest assessment, and 37 completed the 6-week follow-up. Compared to baseline, at posttest providers reported significantly more favorable attitudes, fewer negative attitudes, greater confidence, and greater intention to address depression with their diabetes patients. At the 6-week follow-up, participants reported a marginally significant increase in educating patients about depression, but no other depression management practices changed. Intention to change and confidence predicted some depression practice patterns at follow-up. Fewer barriers were a consistent predictor of depression practice patterns at follow-up. Discussion In the short term, provider attitudes, confidence, and intentions to address depression with their patients improved. Intentions, confidence, and especially barriers are important intervention targets. [source] Sexual Behaviors, Condom Use, and Sexual Health of Americans Over 50: Implications for Sexual Health Promotion for Older AdultsTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2010Vanessa Schick PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., In the contemporary U.S., men and women are living longer and healthier lives. As such, many people spend greater portions of their lives as sexually active individuals. Yet, little is known about the myriad of ways that older adults experience their sexual lives. Aim., This study sought to assess the context and frequency of sexual behaviors, condom use, sexual pleasure, and sexual experience of men and women over age 50. Methods., Information regarding the sexual experiences of a nationally representative sample of men and women over age 50 within the past year was examined. Main Outcome Measures., Sexual behavior over the past year was assessed in relation to several situational and contextual characteristics (e.g., event location, type of partner, health status, condom use). Participants were also asked about their experience (i.e., pleasure, arousal, pain, lubrication/erectile difficulties, and orgasm) during their most recent partnered sexual event. Bivariate or ordinal logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship of age, health and partner status to sexual frequency and experience. Results., Although sizable proportions (20,30%) of both men and women remained sexually active well into their 80s age was related to a lower likelihood of solo and most partnered sexual behaviors. When controlling for age, relationship status, and health remained significant predictors of select sexual behaviors. The participant's evaluation of their most recent sexual experience in terms of arousal, erectile difficulty, and orgasm all declined with age. Health status was related to men's evaluation of the experience. Relationship status was the most consistent predictor of women's evaluation of the experience. Condom use rates remained low for participants across age groups. Conclusion., Many older adults continue be sexually active well into advanced age (80+). Thus, providers need to be attentive to the diverse sexual health needs of older adults. Schick V, Herbenick D, Reece M, Sanders SA, Dodge B, Middlestadt SE, and Fortenberry JD. Sexual behaviors, condom use, and sexual health of Americans over 50: Implications for sexual health promotion for older adults. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):315,329. [source] A social support and social strain measure for minority adolescent mothers: a confirmatory factor analytic studyCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2008C. B. Gee Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the validity and structure of the Social Support Network Questionnaire (SSNQ), an interview for identifying the positive and negative aspects of individuals' social networks. Methods The sample consisted of 536 pregnant and parenting, African-American and Latina adolescents. Participants were recruited from an alternative school for pregnant and parenting adolescents in a large Midwestern city. Results Confirmatory Factor Analyses revealed the presence of three factors: perceived availability, satisfaction and social strain. All three factors demonstrated adequate internal consistency. Perceived availability and social strain were uncorrelated, implying that they are distinct dimensions. Social strain was the most consistent predictor of psychological well-being. Further, strain in relationships with the young women's male partners added unique variance to the prediction of both anxiety and depression. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that the SSNQ may be a useful tool in assessing both positive and negative aspects of pregnant and parenting adolescent mothers' social support networks. [source] Does the MBA Experience Support Diversity?DECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 2 2010Demographic Effects on Program Satisfaction ABSTRACT Using data provided by graduates from 128 MBA programs, we examined the extent to which age, gender, and ethnicity predicted student perceptions of the MBA experience. We found that women and minorities were more likely to see program costs and the availability of financial support as significant factors in their program enrollment decisions than were Caucasian males. The most consistent predictor of students' perceptions of their educational experience was whether the MBA program was full time or part time, with full-time programs generally perceived more favorably. Our findings suggest that because diversity measures of age, gender, and ethnicity were not consistent predictors across the different perception areas, at minimum, MBA programs presently do not consistently inhibit diversity. However, given the increasing percentage of women and minorities that comprise the undergraduate population, maintaining the present path in program accessibility may create enrollment problems for MBA programs perhaps in the very near future. Therefore, we conclude with a discussion of the changing demographics in higher education and their potential implications for MBA programs and suggestions for how MBA programs might respond. [source] Structural Antecedents to Knowledge and Participation: Extending the Knowledge Gap Concept to ParticipationJOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION, Issue 2 2007Jaeho Cho This paper investigates relationships between community characteristics and levels of knowledge and participation examined at both the individual and the community levels. This research extends the knowledge gap concept to a parallel phenomenon, the participation gap. Results from the Social Capital Benchmark Survey 2000 showed that community density, education, and cohesion were significant positive predictors of knowledge but less consistent predictors of participation at the individual level. At the community level, relationships were even stronger, though cohesion was associated with higher mean levels of participation and reduced participation gaps, whereas population density was associated with lower levels of participation and increased gaps. [source] Examining antisocial behavior through the lens of the five factor model of personalityAGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, Issue 6 2003Joshua D. Miller The current study attempts to provide greater precision in understanding how personality is related to antisocial behavior. Specifically, we examined the relations between the facets (subordinate traits) from three domains (superordinate dimensions): Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, of the Five Factor Model and five outcome variables: stability of conduct problems, variety of conduct problems, onset of conduct problems, aggression, and antisocial personality disorder symptoms. These relations were examined in a community sample of 481 individuals. These three personality dimensions were chosen for exploration due to their consistent relations, at the domain level, with antisocial behaviors. The results from this study suggest that the facets from the dimension of Agreeableness are the most consistently related to all five outcomes. However, the facets from all three domains made significant contributions. Overall, three personality traits stood out as being the strongest and most consistent predictors: low straightforwardness, low compliance, and low deliberation. Implications for prevention and intervention are discussed. Aggr. Behav. 29:497,514, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Age-Related Changes in Drinking Patterns From Mid- to Older Age: Results From the Wisconsin Longitudinal StudyALCOHOLISM, Issue 7 2010Rachel C. Molander Background:, Drinking has generally been shown to decline with age in older adults. However, results vary depending on the measure of alcohol consumption used and the study population. The goals of this study were to (i) describe changes in drinking in a current cohort of older adults using a variety of measures of drinking and (ii) examine a number of different possible predictors of change. Methods:, This is a longitudinal study of a community-based sample surveyed at 2 time points, ages 53 and 64 years. We estimated a series of logistic regressions to predict change and stability in drinking categories of nondrinking, moderate drinking, and heavy drinking. Linear regressions were used to predict change in past-month drinking days, past-month average drinks per drinking day, and past-month total drinks. Results:, From age 53 to 64, average drinks per drinking day and heavy drinking decreased. Frequency of drinking increased for men and women, and total drinks per month increased for men. The most consistent predictors of drinking changes were gender, health, and education. Other factors predicted drinking change but were not consistent across drinking measures including: adolescent IQ, income, lifetime history of alcohol-related problems, religious service attendance, depression, debt, and changes in employment. Conclusions:, Heavy drinking decreases with age, but we may see more frequent moderate drinking with current and upcoming cohorts of older adults. Components of quantity and frequency of drinking change differently. Composite measures of total alcohol consumption may not be adequate for describing relevant changes in drinking over time. A number of factors predicted patterns of change in drinking and warrant further exploration. [source] The 4 year stability of psychopathic traits in non-referred youth,BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW, Issue 6 2003Paul J. Frick Ph.D. One significant limitation in research extending the construct of psychopathy to youth has been the absence of longitudinal studies testing the stability of psychopathic traits prior to adulthood. To begin to address this limitation, the current study estimated the stability of psychopathic traits over a 4 year period in a sample of non-referred children in the third, fourth, sixth, and seventh grades at the first assessment. For parent ratings of psychopathic traits, stability estimates using intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.80 to 0.88 across 2,4 years, with a stability estimate of 0.93 across all four assessments. There were also distinct trends in the patterns of stability found in the sample. Specifically, children rated as being initially high on these traits were more likely to be rated lower at later assessments than was the case for children rated initially low on these traits. Finally, the child's level of conduct problems, the socioeconomic status of the child's family, and the quality of parenting the child received were the most consistent predictors of stability of psychopathic traits. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||