249 research outputs found

    Challenging the gold standard: a methodological study of the quality and errors of web tracking data

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    Measuring what people consume and do online is crucial across the social sciences. In the last few years, web tracking data has gained popularity, being considered by most as the gold standard for measuring online behaviours. This thesis studies whether this prevailing notion holds true. Specifically, through a combination of traditional survey and computational methods, I assess the quality of web tracking data, its associated errors, and the consequences of these. The thesis is comprised of three distinct papers. In the first paper, inspired by the Total Survey Error, I present a Total Error framework for digital traces collected with Meters (TEM). The TEM framework describes the data generation and the analysis process for web tracking data and documents the sources of bias and variance that may arise in each step of this process. The framework suggests that metered data might indeed be affected by the error sources identified in our framework and, to some extent, biased. The second paper adopts an empirical approach to address a key error identified in the TEM framework: researchers’ failure to capture data from all the devices and browsers that individuals utilize to go online. The paper shows that tracking undercoverage is highly prevalent when using commercial panels. Additionally, through a simulation study, it demonstrates that web tracking estimates, both univariate and multivariate, are often substantially biased due to tracking undercoverage. The third paper explores the validity and reliability of web tracking data when used to measure media exposure. Merging traditional psychometric and computational techniques, I conduct a multiverse analysis to assess the predictive validity and true-score reliability of thousands of web tracking measures of media exposure. The findings show that web tracking measures have an overall low validity but remarkably high reliability. Additionally, results suggest that the design decisions made by researchers when designing web tracking measurements can have a substantial impact on their measurement properties. Collectively, this thesis challenges the prevailing belief in web tracking data as the gold standard to measure online behaviours. Methodologically, it illustrates how computational methods can be used to adapt survey methodology techniques to assess the quality of digital trace data

    Young men’s education to work transitions in post-industrial Glasgow and Liverpool

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    Young men face a heightened risk of material hardship (McDowell, BonnerThompson and Harris, 2022), and struggle to find secure employment in contemporary service-dominated labour markets following shifts in the UK economy (Nixon, 2018; McDowell, 2020) despite their best efforts (Roberts, 2018). Although these conditions are documented, young men have not been a predominate and specific empirical focus of studies on the socio-economic implications of austerity and longer-term shifts in labour market opportunities (Raynor, 2017). Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data, this mixed methods research investigates and compares young men’s perceptions and experiences of local labour markets in light of recent skills policy changes that have aimed to improve young people’s employability, foster economic growth and stimulate demand for skills (e.g. Scottish Government, 2018; HM Government, 2017). The sample was recruited from Glasgow and Liverpool, two similarly depressed labour markets with comparable histories and economic trajectories (Doucet, van Kempen and Weesep, 2011) and which have demonstrated the plight of young men resulting from deindustrialisation and periods of decline. Located within two member nations of the UK, namely Scotland and England, each regarded as subject to different national policy objectives, this research examines the impact of skills and training initiatives that have aimed at addressing cohesion between skills and sustainable jobs. This thesis uses a theoretical framework that draws on the Risk Society thesis (Beck, 1992), the Age of Chance gambling theory (Reith, 2002), the Zones of (in)security conceptual lens (Furlong, et al, 2018) and the theory of Surplus Labour (Marx, 1976). The strengths of these theoretical lenses used in combination provide the explanatory power to inform new understandings of contemporary labour market conditions and the unique perspectives of young men who are navigating a multitude of complex structural circumstances. The findings from this research show the interconnections between those structural circumstances experienced by the young men and their agentic responses where they are required to engage as responsible economic subjects and autonomous agents (Rose, 1999; Roberts, 2018). The findings suggest that the individualisation of the young men combined with the unpredictability of employment outcomes has resulted in them being pressurised into engaging in labour market behaviour that is akin to gambling. This research concludes that to address the ‘gamble’ in the move from education to work, more investment is required to increase the quantity of high-quality employment opportunities for young men on both sides of the border. To achieve smoother transitions into such sustainable jobs, more employer-led training provision and stronger links between education and training providers and employers is required alongside parity of esteem for non-university pathways and the encouragement of skills utilisation by employers

    Behavioural ecology of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) and conservation tool development in a semi-wild sanctuary

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    Conservation translocations are becoming an increasingly necessary tool to stem the decline of threatened species globally. The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is a nationally threatened species in Australia. While bilby translocations are expected to contribute to the species’ persistence, the scarcity of information on their behaviour and ecology prevents informed-management. By intensively studying a population of bilbies both prior to, and following reintroduction, and subsequent reinforcements to a fenced sanctuary, I aimed to (1) advance knowledge of bilby behaviour and examine behaviours potentially relevant to fitness (i.e. survival and breeding success), (2) improve ecological knowledge of bilbies within understudied (temperate) climates, and (3) use this knowledge to suggest and develop effective tools for their conservation. Chapter 1 describes the current state of research in applied conservation research, and how increased behavioural data could help address some of the current knowledge gaps for bilby conservation. In Chapter 2, I examined patterns in bilby resource selection, finding that selection changed between seasons and years due to the environmental conditions and resources available. I also found that resource requirements are likely to be behavioural-state dependent and sex-specific. In Chapter 3, I constructed social networks to examine nocturnal proximity of bilbies and concurrent burrow sharing and found that associations were non-random. Expanding on this, in Chapter 4, I found that burrow sharing was likely to help describe breeding strategies, as males strongly avoided other males, and mixed-sex dyads exhibited kin-avoidance when mate choice was more limited. In Chapter 5, I developed a test to screen personality traits in bilbies, finding links between male response to handling and relative breeding success post-release. Lastly, in Chapter 6, I described a method to collect detailed movement data on the bilby, and discussed some of the practical and animal welfare constraints for its application. My thesis provides new insights into the behavioural ecology of the bilby with potential implications for future management of the species. With further translocations necessary for long-term persistence of the bilby, this research is highly relevant to current and future management of this ecologically important species, with potential applications to other similarly at-risk species

    Exploring the contribution of educational psychology services to children in care: towards a framework for trauma-informed educational psychology practice

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    The aim of this research is to contribute to the growing literature for how educational psychology services can support the outcomes of care experienced children and young people. Outcomes for children in care have been well documented and include educational under-attainment, under-representation in further education, over-representation in the criminal justice system, as well as a high prevalence of special educational needs and mental health disorders. By way of background to the present research, a systematic review of literature is presented, identifying the key features and components of interventions that support trauma-experienced children and young people in school. Rationale for the present study and research questions is offered. Data was extracted from the psychological reports of 36 children in care (aged 5 – 15) written by educational psychologists between 2017 and 2022. Qualitative document analysis explored the assessment methods, psychological formulations and recommended provision. Findings reveal (a) the range of assessment methods undertaken, (b) the psychological formulations offered to guide professionals in developing understanding of trauma-experiences and their impact on learning and related behaviours, and (c) the common themes in respect of recommended education provision for improving learning and wellbeing outcomes for this population. Findings are considered in relation to wider research for trauma-sensitive classroom practice. Implications for research and practice are considered with the introduction of a proposed framework for practice that may be helpful to educational psychologists working with children in care

    Statistical learning of random probability measures

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    The study of random probability measures is a lively research topic that has attracted interest from different fields in recent years. In this thesis, we consider random probability measures in the context of Bayesian nonparametrics, where the law of a random probability measure is used as prior distribution, and in the context of distributional data analysis, where the goal is to perform inference given avsample from the law of a random probability measure. The contributions contained in this thesis can be subdivided according to three different topics: (i) the use of almost surely discrete repulsive random measures (i.e., whose support points are well separated) for Bayesian model-based clustering, (ii) the proposal of new laws for collections of random probability measures for Bayesian density estimation of partially exchangeable data subdivided into different groups, and (iii) the study of principal component analysis and regression models for probability distributions seen as elements of the 2-Wasserstein space. Specifically, for point (i) above we propose an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm for posterior inference, which sidesteps the need of split-merge reversible jump moves typically associated with poor performance, we propose a model for clustering high-dimensional data by introducing a novel class of anisotropic determinantal point processes, and study the distributional properties of the repulsive measures, shedding light on important theoretical results which enable more principled prior elicitation and more efficient posterior simulation algorithms. For point (ii) above, we consider several models suitable for clustering homogeneous populations, inducing spatial dependence across groups of data, extracting the characteristic traits common to all the data-groups, and propose a novel vector autoregressive model to study of growth curves of Singaporean kids. Finally, for point (iii), we propose a novel class of projected statistical methods for distributional data analysis for measures on the real line and on the unit-circle

    LIPIcs, Volume 274, ESA 2023, Complete Volume

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    LIPIcs, Volume 274, ESA 2023, Complete Volum

    The export competitiveness of Mozambique's cashew nut industry: Applying Porter's diamond model

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    Export expansion propitiates scale economies, positive externalities, technological advancement, foreign currency earnings, and efficient resource use towards competitive advantage creation and consolidation. Fuelled by the export-driven economic growth hypothesis, some countries meet their export imperative through export promotion activities that enhance competitiveness. In this Thesis we analysed the factors influencing export competitiveness of the cashew nut industry in Mozambique. This industry is the main source of income for 1.4 million rural households. It reached in 1973 its peak global market share of 50%, having lost this position since 1975. International competitiveness analysis is needed to determine focus areas. We present results of the use of Porter’s Model whose determinants (factor conditions, demand conditions, and related industries) plus government (jointly exogenous constructs) interact and stimulate firm strategy representing competitiveness (endogenous construct). We analysed a quantitative longitudinal 80-observation secondary dataset, and a qualitative primary 310-observation dataset, collected through a structured questionnaire. We used a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) on both datasets, applying SmartPLS 3.3.9 statistical tool. Results suggest all exogenous constructs influence positively competitiveness. Factor conditions’ impact leads with highest β coefficient of 0.265. Around 89% of respondents highlighted in-shell cashew nut availability, while 82% emphasised quality. Study recommends strategies to improve in-shell cashew nut availability and quality, electricity reliability, physical infrastructure, adherence to international standards, "Zambique" brand, traceability, R&D. Strategies need to be extended to upgrading and updating of labour legislation, taxation, fiscal incentives, and tackling economy’s informality, aiming to entice bigger and faster investments for Mozambique to regain market share.A expansão da exportação propicia economias de escala, externalidades positivas, avanço tecnológico, divisas e uso eficiente dos recursos para criação e consolidação da vantagem competitiva. Alimentados pela hipótese do crescimento económico induzido pela exportação, países realizam o imperativo de exportação realizando actividades de promoção da exportação que melhoram a competitividade. Nesta Tese analisamos os factores que influenciam a competitividade das exportações da indústria do caju em Moçambique. Esta indústria é a principal fonte de renda para 1.4 milhões de famílias rurais. Ela atingiu 50% da quota de mercado global, tendo perdido esta posição desde 1975. A análise da competitividade internacional é necessária para determinar as áreas de foco. Apresentamos resultados do uso do Modelo de Porter cujos determinantes (condições dos factores, condições da procura e indústrias relacionadas) mais governo (constructos exógenos) interagem e estimulam a estratégia da firma, representante da competitividade (constructo endógeno). Analisámos um conjunto de dados quantitativos secundários de 80 observações longitudinais e outro conjunto de dados qualitativos primários recolhidos via questionário estruturado. Usámos uma modelagem da equação estrutural dos mínimos quadrados parciais em ambos os conjuntos de dados, aplicando a ferramenta estatística SmartPLS 3.3.9. Os resultados sugerem que todos os constructos exógenos influenciam positivamente a competitividade. O impacto das condições dos factores lidera com o mais alto coeficiente β=0.265. Cerca de 89% dos inquiridos destacaram a disponibilidade da castanha com casca, enquanto 82% enfatizaram a qualidade. O estudo recomenda estratégias para melhorar a disponibilidade e qualidade da castanha com casca, fiabilidade da electricidade, infra-estruturas físicas, adesão aos padrões internacionais, marca "Zambique", rastreabilidade, pesquisa e desenvolvimento. As estratégias precisam ser extensivas ao melhoramento da legislação laboral, tributação, incentivos fiscais e combate à informalidade da economia, para atrair investimentos maiores e mais rápidos para Moçambique reconquistar a quota de mercado
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