Multivariate concave and convex stochastic dominance

Stochastic dominance permits a partial ordering of alternatives (probability distributions on consequences) based only on partial information about a decision maker’s utility function. Univariate stochastic dominance has been widely studied and applied, with general agreement on classes of utility functions for dominance of different degrees. Extensions to the multivariate case have received less attention and have used different classes of utility functions, some of which require strong assumptions about utility. We investigate multivariate stochastic dominance using a class of utility functions that is consistent with a basic preference assumption, can be related to well-known characteristics of utility, and is a natural extension of the stochastic order typically used in the univariate case. These utility functions are multivariate risk averse, and reversing the preference assumption allows us to investigate stochastic dominance for utility functions that are multivariate risk seeking. We provide insight into these two contrasting forms of stochastic dominance, develop some criteria to compare probability distributions (hence alternatives) via multivariate stochastic dominance, and illustrate how this dominance could be used in practice to identify inferior alternatives. Connections between our approach and dominance using different stochastic orders are discussed.decision analysis: multiple criteria, risk; group decisions; utility/preference: multiattribute utility, stochastic dominance, stochastic orders

Variation in Coastal Macroinvertebrate Species Diversity on Intertidal Boulders in Trinidad, California.

Coastal environments of Humboldt County provide an optimal habitat for a diversity of macroinvertebrates. This study’s focus is to determine the differences in diversity of coastal macroinvertebrate (CM) species on intertidal boulders. Eleven CM species were visually counted within a one-square-meter quadrat along two height strata of five intertidal boulders. Based upon the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, diversity was measured between the CM species in the lower region (0-1 meter from base of boulder) and the upper region (1-2 meters from base of boulder). The resulting data showed the lower regions of the boulders had a higher average diversity rating, as compared to the upper boulder regions

Pennsylvania Folklife Vol. 26, No. 4

• Isaac Ziegler Hunsicker: Ontario Schoolmaster and Fraktur Artist • Walls and Fences in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania • Glossary of Pennsylvania German Terms Related to Construction and Tobacco Agriculture • Pennsylvania German Astronomy and Astrology XV: Benjamin Franklin\u27s Almanacs • Wilhelm Nast and the German Universalists • Vegetables in the Pennsylvania Cuisine: Folk-Cultural Questionnaire No. 47https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/pafolklifemag/1072/thumbnail.jp

Pennsylvania Folklife Vol. 24, No. 1

• Some Early Moravian Builders in America • Old Order Mennonite Family Life in the East Penn Valley • Historic Yellow Springs: The Restoration of an American Spa • The Use of Speech at Two Auctions • Pennsylvania German Astronomy and Astrology IX: Johann Friederich Schmidt • Courtship and Marriage: Folk-Cultural Questionnaire No. 36https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/pafolklifemag/1060/thumbnail.jp

Pennsylvania Folklife Vol. 24, No. 4

• Irish Folklife Studies: A Present-Day Appraisal • Palatine Emigration Materials from the Neckar Valley, 1726-1766 • Pennsylvania German Astronomy and Astrology XII: Contemporary Almanacs • Cider and Wine Production: Folk-Cultural Questionnaire No. 39https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/pafolklifemag/1063/thumbnail.jp

Pennsylvania Folklife Vol. 28, No. 2

• The Pennsylvania Dutchman • Miz Ukraini: We are From the Ukraine • Pennsylvania German Astronomy and Astrology XVII: German Language Almanacs • Pennsylvania Dutch Dialect Stories • Taufscheine: A New Index for People Hunters, Part II • Aldes un Neieshttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/pafolklifemag/1081/thumbnail.jp

Pennsylvania Folklife Vol. 21, No. 4

• The Herr and Zeller Houses • Pennsylvania German Astronomy and Astrology II: The Moon • Travel Journals as a Folklife Research Tool: Impressions of the Pennsylvania Germans • My Interview with a Powwower • American Emigrants from the Territories of the Bishropric of Speyer • Emigrants to America from the Duchy of Zweibrucken • Funeral Customs: Folk-Cultural Questionnaire No. 24https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/pafolklifemag/1048/thumbnail.jp

Pennsylvania Folklife Vol. 23, No. 3

• Victorian Wall Mottoes • Pennsylvania German Astronomy and Astrology VIII: David Rittenhouse • Sociological Aspects of Quilting in Three Brethren Churches of Southeastern Pennsylvania • Nicknaming in an Amish-Mennonite Community • Fruit Harvesting and Preservation in Early Pennsylvania • Folklore in the Library: Old Schuylkill Tales • Mills and Milling in Pennsylvania: Folk-Cultural Questionnaire No. 33https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/pafolklifemag/1057/thumbnail.jp

Pennsylvania Folklife Vol. 24, No. 2

• The Cult of St. Walburga in Pennsylvania • An Old Order River Brethren Love Feast • The Porches of Quaker Meeting Houses in Chester and Delaware Counties • John Daniel Eisenbrown, Frakturist • Pennsylvania German Astronomy and Astrology X: Christopher Witt\u27s Device • The American Breakfast, Circa 1873-1973 • Grandparents in Traditional Culture: Folk-Cultural Questionnaire No. 37https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/pafolklifemag/1061/thumbnail.jp