Semiparametric methods for the measurement of latent attitudes and the estimation of their behavioural consequences

We model attitudes as latent variables that induce stochastic dominance relations in (item) responses. Observable characteristics that affect attitudes can be incorporated into the analysis to improve the measurement of the attitudes; the measurements are posterior distributions that condition on the responses and characteristics of each respondent. Methods to use these measurements to characterize the relation between attitudes and behaviour are developed and implemented.

Identification and estimation of latent attitudes and their behavioral implications

This paper (i) formalizes conditions under which a population distribution of categorical responses to attitudinal questions (ѩtemsҩ has a scale representation; (ii) develops tests for whether a particular sample of item responses is consistent with a scale representation; (iii) develops methods for nonparametrically estimating the relation between an outcome and a scale value; and (iv) generalizes the foregoing to the multi-scale case. An implication of these results is that the effect of multiple latent attitudes on behaviour can be identified, even though the attitudes of an individual can never be precisely observed. We illustrate our methods using survey data from the 1992 U.S. Presidential election, where the ѯutcome' is an individual's vote and the ѩtems' are expressions of social and policy preferences.

Dual Regression

We propose dual regression as an alternative to the quantile regression process for the global estimation of conditional distribution functions under minimal assumptions. Dual regression provides all the interpretational power of the quantile regression process while avoiding the need for repairing the intersecting conditional quantile surfaces that quantile regression often produces in practice. Our approach introduces a mathematical programming characterization of conditional distribution functions which, in its simplest form, is the dual program of a simultaneous estimator for linear location-scale models. We apply our general characterization to the specification and estimation of a flexible class of conditional distribution functions, and present asymptotic theory for the corresponding empirical dual regression process.Comment: Version accepted for publication, 39 pages, 4 figure

Semiparametric Methods for the Measurement of Latent Attitudes and the Estimation of Their Behavioural Consequences

We model attitudes as latent variables that induce stochastic dominance relations in (item) responses. Observable characteristics that affect attitudes can be incorporated into the analysis to improve the measurement of the attitudes; the measurements are posterior distributions that condition on the responses and characteristics of each respondent. Methods to use these measurements to characterize the relation between attitudes and behaviour are developed and implemented.Latent variables

The issue context of modern American politics: semiparametric identification of latent factors from Discrete data

A new methodology that estimates attitudes semiparametrically and estimates actions nonparametrically, as a function of the resulting attitudinal measures, is used to examine the behavioral effects of ѣultural' and ѥconomic' preferences in the Presidential elections of 1984 and 1992. The results suggest a shift toward ѣultural politicsҬ achieved Ųst among the highly educated but spreading throughout society by the later election. One consequence is that both parties are now consistent in their policy alignments״he Democrats being liberal on both scales, the Republicans conservative. Despite this aggregate consistency, different social groups are attached to the parties in diĥrent ways, thereby heightening the potential for intraparty conǩct while sharpening the problem of fashioning a platform that is broadly attractive. These problems, finally, express themselves very diĥrently within the Democratic and the Republican parties.

Reduced gravity simulator Patent

Cable suspension and inclined walkway system for simulating reduced or zero gravity environment

Backpack carrier Patent

Backpack carrier with retractable legs suitable for lunar exploration and convertible to rescue vehicl

Factors Affecting the Output and Quit Propensities of Production Workers

We have used a proprietary data set of newly hired semi-skilled production workers at one location of a large unionized firm to investigate several issues in labor economics. This data set is unique in several respects: the workers in our sample faced the same wage schedules, had the same promotional opportunities, the same job tenure (zero), similar working conditions, and had jobs for which we were able to record their physical output. We analyze these data by formulating a simultaneous equation model to explain wages, output, education, and a worker's quit decision. The model is estimated by maximum likelihood and subjected to a variety of specification tests. Such tests include a comparison of the standard error estimates that form the basis for White's information test, and White's version of a Hausman specification test. Our principal findings are: 1. Individuals that choose more education than we would expect from their observed characteristics have lower than expected quit propensities. We argue that this low quit propensity is one of the unmeasured (and unobserved) attributes that sorting models posit are correlated with education and hence distort the usual estimates of rates of return to education. 2. The performance of non-whites in our sample was no lower than that of whites. However, on their previous jobs non-whites received lower wages than did whites. 3. The output per hour of males in our sample was higher than that of females; however, we were unable to conclude from our data whether these productivity differences could explain the higher wages received by men on their previous jobs. Moreover, this output difference may be transitory and may diminish with on-the-job learning. 4. The expected value of alternative wages had a positive (but not statistically very significant) effect on quit rates. Workers with better alternative opportunities were more likely to quit (all workers had the same opportunities on their current job). 5. Finally we found that workers with high output levels were more likely to quit than were workers with average output levels.

Captain and Stoker: Exploring Tandem Performance Through New Instrument Design and Implementation

This paper examines historical examples of two-player, or tandem, instruments and electroacoustic sound manipulation practices beginning in the nineteenth century, addresses design theory and construction principles for modern electroacoustic performance instruments, and investigates practice for such instruments. The paper begins with an exploration of Jean-Baptiste Vuillame’s octobasse, Maurice Martenot’s ondes martenot (including its distinct sound diffusion apparatuses), and Nicolas Collins’ backward electric Hawaiian guitar as progenitors of new, tandem instruments that require collaboration to produce a single, sounding result. The paper poses that while some of the devices mentioned above hold potential as tandem performance instruments, they were not designed or approached as such and updated designs and approaches may unlock new performance potentials. After assessing these potentials, the paper introduces guidelines for constructing a new class of sonic affectors inspired by the ondes martenot’s palme diffuser and Collins’ backward guitar, designed with tandem performance in mind. Furthermore, the paper chronicles one such device’s design, prototyping, and completion and includes basic instructions for operation and descriptions of viable performance techniques. Finally, the paper reflects on the device from the perspective of an instrumentalist, ponders its utility, and offers lines for future research on tandem performance