scholarly journals ANALYTICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF DEVELOPING A PHENOTYPIC AGING MEASURE: THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK MUST COME FIRST!

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S579-S580
Author(s):  
Michelle Shardell ◽  
Michelle Shardell ◽  
Pei-Lun Kuo ◽  
Jennifer Schrack ◽  
Eleanor M Simonsick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Genes And Environment ◽  
Convergent Construct Validity ◽  
Baltimore Longitudinal Study ◽  
Using Data

Abstract We propose a latent structural model framework where phenotypic aging is a latent variable influenced by chronological age, genes and environment. Within this framework, phenotypic age influences aging-related outcomes and is reflected by latent domains of aging (body composition, energetics, homeostasis, and neural functioning) reflected by biomarkers. First, we validate the framework by selecting age-associated domain-specific biomarkers and assessing internal consistency and convergent construct validity (Cronbach’s alpha). Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, within-domain Cronbach’s alphas ranged from 0.80 to 0.92, supporting convergent construct validity. Second, we evaluate two broad methods for combining biomarkers into one phenotypic age measure customized to different objectives: 1) confirmatory factor analysis of chronological age-adjusted biomarkers to create a measure to identify pleiotropic genetic and environmental mechanisms, and 2) machine-learning methods to create a measure optimizing predictive and concurrent criterion validity. This framework will enable evaluation of candidate biological mechanisms of aging.

Executive Functions and Metacognitive Monitoring Are Not Interchangeable in Educational Settings: Their Shared and Unique Contribution to Academic Outcomes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rina PY Lai ◽  
Michelle Renee Ellefson ◽  
Claire Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Academic Outcomes ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Metacognitive Monitoring ◽  
Cognitive Predictors ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Variable Approach ◽  
Latent Variable Approach

Executive functions and metacognition are two cognitive predictors with well-established connections to academic performance. Despite sharing several theoretical characteristics, their overlap or independence concerning multiple academic outcomes remain under-researched. To address this gap, the present study applies a latent-variable approach to test a novel theoretical model that delineates the structural link between executive functions, metacognition, and academic outcomes. In whole-class sessions, 469 children aged 9 to 14 years (M = 11.93; SD = 0.92) completed four computerized executive function tasks (inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and planning), a self-reported metacognitive monitoring questionnaire, and three standardized tests of academic ability. The results suggest that executive functions and metacognitive monitoring are not interchangeable in the educational context and that they have both shared and unique contributions to diverse academic outcomes. The findings are important for elucidating the role between two domain-general cognitive skills (executive functions and metacognition) and domain-specific academic skills.

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in the Psychological Sciences

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey A. Shero ◽  
Sara Ann Hart
Keyword(s):  
Data Envelopment Analysis ◽  
Aggressive Behavior ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Educational Administration ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Organizational Management ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Component Skills ◽  
Using Data

Using methods like linear regression or latent variable models, researchers are often interested in maximizing explained variance and identifying the importance of specific variables within their models. These models are useful for understanding general ideas and trends, but often give limited insight into the individuals within said models. Data envelopment analysis (DEA), is a method with roots in organizational management that make such insights possible. Unlike models mentioned above, DEA does not explain variance. Instead, it explains how efficiently an individual utilizes their inputs to produce outputs, and identifies which input is not being utilized optimally. This paper provides readers with a brief history and past usages of DEA from organizational management, public health, and educational administration fields, while also describing the underlying math and processes behind said model. This paper then extends the usage of this method into the psychology field using two separate studies. First, using data from the Project KIDS dataset, DEA is demonstrated using a simple view of reading framework identifying individual efficiency levels in using reading-based skills to achieve reading comprehension, determining which skills are being underutilized, and classifying and comparing new subsets of readers. Three new subsets of readers were identified using this method, with direct implications leading to more targeted interventions. Second, DEA was used to measure individuals’ efficiency in regulating aggressive behavior given specific personality traits or related skills. This study found that despite comparable levels of component skills and personality traits, significant differences were found in efficiency to regulate aggressive behavior on the basis of gender and feelings of provocation.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Multiple Sensory Deficits in Older Adults in BLSA and ARIC Studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 804-805
Author(s):  
Nicole Armstrong ◽  
Jennifer Deal ◽  
Hang Wang ◽  
Jennifer Schrack ◽  
Qu Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽  
Sensory Deficits ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk ◽  
Baltimore Longitudinal Study ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Individual sensory deficits have been associated with adverse outcomes, including dementia, in older adults. Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) (N=259) and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) (N=962), we examined the prevalence of one, two, or three sensory deficits (hearing, vision, and olfaction) among older adults ≥70 years. Any hearing loss was the most prevalent sensory deficit (70-79 year-olds: 41.3% [BLSA] and 51.2% [ARIC]; ≥80 year-olds: 82.6% [BLSA] and 74.2% [ARIC]), followed by vision loss and olfactory loss. Hearing and vision impairments were more prevalent than hearing and olfactory losses as well as vision and olfactory losses in both age groups and studies There were few people with deficits in all three senses (70-79 year-olds: 3.3% [BLSA] and 2.0% [ARIC]; ≥80 year-olds: 5.8% [BLSA] and 7.4% [ARIC]). Further research should investigate the potential impact of multisensory impairments on older adults.

Projection Bias in Catalog Orders

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 1217-1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Conlin ◽  
Ted O'Donoghue ◽  
Timothy J Vogelsang
Keyword(s):  
Field Data ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Cold Weather ◽  
Change Over Time ◽  
Laboratory Evidence ◽  
Return Probability ◽  
Projection Bias ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Over Time

Evidence suggests that people understand qualitatively how tastes change over time, but underestimate the magnitudes. This evidence is limited, however, to laboratory evidence or surveys of reported happiness. We test for such projection bias in field data. Using data on catalog orders of cold-weather items, we find evidence of projection bias over the weather—specifically, people's decisions are overinfluenced by the current weather. Our estimates suggest that if the order-date temperature declines by 30°F, the return probability increases by 3.95 percent. We also estimate a structural model to measure the magnitude of the bias. (JEL D12, L81)

Using social distancing technology in hotels: a social exchange perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristian Morosan ◽  
Agnes DeFranco
Keyword(s):  
Social Exchange ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Privacy Concerns ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Social Rewards

Purpose As social distancing procedures can be facilitated by various hotel technologies, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which consumers develop perceptions of value regarding the use of certain hotel technologies for social distancing in hotels. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from the social exchange theory, this study conceptualized the benefits of using technologies for social distancing, health risks, social rewards and privacy concerns as antecedents of value of using technologies for social distancing in hotels. The structural model was validated by using data from more than 1,000 nationwide US consumers. Findings Benefits and consumers’ privacy concerns of using technologies for social distancing in hotels were the strongest predictors of value. Social rewards also had a significant but relatively lower effect on value. Health risks was found to have no influence on value. Originality/value The study is the first to examine the role of technologies in mitigating the effects of coronavirus. Thus, it extends the information technology and hospitality literature by examining the role of these technologies in safeguarding individual and public health.

Modelling Museum Visitors’ Perception and Experience of Authenticity: Examining Heterogeneity with a Finite Mixture Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
Claudia Bauer-Krösbacher ◽  
Josef Mazanec
Keyword(s):  
Latent Variable ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Unobserved Heterogeneity ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Finite Mixture ◽  
Museum Visitors ◽  
Specific Strength

Purpose. In this study, the authors explore the role of museum visitors’ perceptions and experiences of authenticity. They introduce several variants of authenticity experience and analyse how they are intertwined and feed visitor satisfaction. Method. The authors apply a multi-step model fitting and validation procedure including inferred causation methods and finite mixture modelling to verify whether the visitors’ perceptions of authenticity are subject to unobserved heterogeneity. They elaborate an Authenticity Model that demonstrates out-of-sample validity and generalisability by being exposed to new data for another cultural attraction in another city. Then, they address the heterogeneity hypothesis and evaluate it for the case study with the larger sample. Findings. In both application cases, the Sisi museum in Vienna and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, the empirical results support the assumed cause-effect sequence, translating high quality information display—from traditional and multimedia sources—into Perceived Authenticity and its experiential consequences such as Depth and Satisfaction. Accounting for unobserved heterogeneity detects three latent classes with segment-specific strength of relationships within the structural model. Research and conclusions limitations. The combined latent-class, structural-equation model needs validation with another sample that would have to be larger than the available Guinness database. Future studies will have to complement the purely data-driven search for heterogeneity with theory-guided reasoning about potential causes of diversity in the strength of the structural relationships. Practical implications. Cultural heritage sites are among the attractions most typical of city tourism. History tends to materialise in the artefacts accumulated by the population among the urban agglomerations, and museums are the natural places for preserving exhibits of cultural value. Authenticity must be considered an important quality assessment criterion for many visitors, whereby, the distinction between object authenticity and existential authenticity is crucial. Originality. In addition to making substantive contributions to authenticity theory, the authors also extend previous research in terms of methodological effort. Authenticity research, so far, has neither exploited inferred causation methods nor combined latent variable modelling with detecting unobserved heterogeneity. Type of paper: Research article.

Racial-ethnic disparities in pain intensity and interference among middle-aged and older U.S. adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulin Yang ◽  
M Carrington Reid ◽  
Hanna Grol-Prokopczyk ◽  
Karl Pillemer
Keyword(s):  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Pain Interference ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Pain Experiences ◽  
Racial Ethnic ◽  
Hispanic White

Abstract Background This study aims to better understand differing pain experiences across U.S. racial/ethnic subgroups by estimating racial-ethnic disparities in both pain intensity and domain-specific pain-related interference. To address this issue, we use a nationally-representative sample of non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic adults ages 50+ who report recently experiencing pain. Methods Using data from the 2010 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; N=684), we conducted a series of multivariate analyses to assess possible racial/ethnic disparities in pain intensity and seven domains of pain interference, controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables and other health problems. Results Black and Hispanic participants reported higher pain intensity than White participants after controlling for socioeconomic status (SES) and other health conditions. Both Black and Hispanic individuals reported more domain-specific pain interference in bivariate analyses. In multivariate analyses, Black (vs. White) participants reported significantly higher levels of pain interference with family-home responsibilities, occupation, sexual behavior, and daily self-care. We did not find significant Hispanic-White differences in the seven pain interference domains, nor did we find Black-White differences in three domains (recreation, social activities, and essential activities). Conclusions Our findings highlight the need for using multi-dimensional measures of pain when assessing for possible pain disparities with respect to race/ethnicity. Future studies on pain interventions should consider contextualizing the pain experience across different racial subgroups to help pain patients with diverse needs, with the ultimate goal of reducing racial/ethnic disparities in pain.

scholarly journals A Structural Model of the Retail Market for Illicit Drugs

2017 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 858-896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manolis Galenianos ◽  
Alessandro Gavazza
Keyword(s):  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Crack Cocaine ◽  
Retail Market ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Using Data ◽  
First Time ◽  
Relative Profitability

We estimate a model of illicit drugs markets using data on purchases of crack cocaine. Buyers are searching for high-quality drugs, but they determine drugs' quality (i.e., their purity) only after consuming them. Hence, sellers can rip off first-time buyers or can offer higher-quality drugs to induce buyers to purchase from them again. In equilibrium, a distribution of qualities persists. The estimated model implies that if drugs were legalized, in which case purity could be regulated and hence observable, the average purity of drugs would increase by approximately 20 percent and the dispersion would decrease by approximately 80 percent. Moreover, increasing penalties may raise the purity and affordability of the drugs traded by increasing sellers' relative profitability of targeting loyal buyers versus first-time buyers. (JEL D12, K42, L15, L65)

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document