scholarly journals Are we comparing apples or squared apples? Proportions of explained variance exaggerate differences between effects

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice

In this brief note, I wish to bring attention to a problem that has been discussed many times before, but whose implications are still not widely appreciated. As a result, many researchers (present author included) keep making distorted inferences about the relative size and importance of certain effects, by directly comparing the proportions of variance they account for. Using the proportion of explained variance as an index of effect size does not just distort the interpretation of individual effects, but also exaggerates the differences between effects, which may lead to strikingly incorrect judgements of relative importance. Luckily, a meaningful and interpretable “effect ratio” can be easily calculated as the square root of the ratio between proportions of explained variance. In several real-world examples, effect ratios tell a different story than variance components, and might prompt one to rethink the interpretation of certain canonical results (e.g., regarding the role of the shared environment in the development of psychological traits). This simple but consequential point should be understood more widely; with no pretense of originality, I hope that this note will contribute to raise awareness and prevent fallacious interpretations of research findings.

Oryx ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Ada Sánchez-Mercado ◽  
Oriana Blanco ◽  
Bibiana Sucre ◽  
José Manuel Briceño-Linares ◽  
Carlos Peláez ◽  
...  

Abstract Unsustainable harvesting to supply the demand for pets is the second most significant threat to parrots (Psittacidae). Given that parrot keeping is widespread, in-depth and culturally sensitive research is needed to inform and develop interventions targeted at changing consumer preferences and purchasing behaviours. Parrot keeping is thought to be driven mainly by a desire for companionship (the affection hypothesis). Alternative hypotheses include a deeply ingrained culture of parrot ownership (the tradition hypothesis) or the influence of socio-economic context (the contextual hypothesis). We used the theory of planned behaviour to evaluate the relative importance of behavioural and contextual factors influencing the intention to keep the yellow-shouldered Amazon Amazona barbadensis as a pet. We interviewed 150 owners and non-owners of parrots in two locations in Macanao Peninsula, Margarita Island, Venezuela, where the primary population of this species is located. We found mixed evidence supporting both the affection and contextual hypotheses: intention to keep parrots was higher in non-owners with high education level, strong affective attitudes regarding human–animal relationships, and higher expectations about social norms (41% of explained variance). Our study expands previous research on the illegal parrot trade by taking into account behavioural measures beyond attitudes, highlighting the role of social norms frequently ignored in such research. We discuss how a behaviour change campaign could redirect affective attitudes in the human–parrot relationship, and promote new social norms that support parrot conservation. Future research should consider the inclusion of moral and injunctive norms, and monitoring of intervention effectiveness.


1961 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 89-98
Author(s):  
Karol J. Krotki

Discussions about the role of small enterprise in economic development tend to remain inconclusive partly because of the difficulty of assessing the relative importance of economic and non-economic objectives and partly because of the dearth of factual information on which to base an economic calculus. It is probably true, moreover, that, because of a lack of general agreement as to the economic case for or against small enterprise, non-economic considerations, including some merely romantic attitudes toward smallness and bigness, tend to exert an undue influence on public policies. There may, of course, be no clear-cut economic case. And noneconomic considerations should and will inevitably weigh significantly in policy decisions. If, however, some of the economic questions could be settled by more and better knowledge, these decisions could more accurately reflect the opportunity costs of pursuing non-economic objectives.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Mustaqim - Mustaqim

Abstract. The purpose of this research is to analyze the role of Panglima Laot in the management of fishery resources in Sabang Island. To be able to understand the fisheries management that involves the role of the community in the form of local institutions, a series in-depth interview, observation, as well as literature were successfully carried out to local fishery community. Since this study is a combination of qualitative and quantitative method, the data collection was analysed using phenomenological approach and critical interpretation process to see the validity and reliability of the research findings.  Referring to previous research evidence, the results show that the presence of Panglima Laot has played an important role in providing information, invitation, supervision and participation in the management of fishery resources. In addition, the role of Panglima Laot in the management of fishery resources includes carrying out customs, assisting the government, resolving conflicts in the community, preventing illegal fishing, preserving the coastal environment and fighting for the living standards of fishermen is very influential both in centralization and decentralization era.  Therefore, these findings can be categorized as a useful information for any party working in field of fishery program. 


2010 ◽  
Vol 27 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 81-90
Author(s):  
Krishna Poudel

Mountains have distinct geography and are dynamic in nature compared to the plains. 'Verticality' and 'variation' are two fundamental specificities of the mountain geography. They possess distinct temporal and spatial characteristics in a unique socio-cultural setting. There is an ever increasing need for spatial and temporal data for planning and management activities; and Geo Information (GI) Science (including Geographic Information and Earth Observation Systems). This is being recognized more and more as a common platform for integrating spatial data with social, economic and environmental data and information from different sources. This paper investigates the applicability and challenges of GISscience in the context of mountain geography with ample evidences and observations from the mountain specific publications, empirical research findings and reports. The contextual explanation of mountain geography, mountain specific problems, scientific concerns about the mountain geography, advances in GIScience, the role of GIScience for sustainable development, challenges on application of GIScience in the contexts of mountains are the points of discussion. Finally, conclusion has been made with some specific action oriented recommendations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-114
Author(s):  
Im Sik Cho ◽  
Blaž Križnik

Sharing practices are an important part of urban life. This article examines the appropriation of alleys as communal space to understand how sharing practices are embedded in localities, how communal space is constituted and maintained, and how this sustains communal life. In this way, the article aims to understand the spatial dimension of sharing practices, and the role of communal space in strengthening social relationship networks and urban sustainability. Seowon Maeul and Samdeok Maeul in Seoul are compared in terms of their urban regeneration approaches, community engagement in planning, street improvement, and the consequences that the transformation had on the appropriation of alleys as communal space. The research findings show that community engagement in planning is as important as the provision of public space if streets are to be appropriated as communal space. Community engagement has changed residents' perception and use of alleys as a shared resource in the neighbourhood by improving their capacity to act collectively and collaborate with other stakeholders in addressing problems and opportunities in cities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (34) ◽  
pp. 2853-2861
Author(s):  
Yanli Li ◽  
Rui Yang ◽  
Limo Chen ◽  
Sufang Wu

CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is widely expressed in a variety of human tissues and cells, especially those in the immune system. CD38 protein was previously considered as a cell activation marker, and today monoclonal antibodies targeting CD38 have witnessed great achievements in multiple myeloma and promoted researchers to conduct research on other tumors. In this review, we provide a wide-ranging review of the biology and function of the human molecule outside the field of myeloma. We focus mainly on current research findings to summarize and update the findings gathered from diverse areas of study. Based on these findings, we attempt to extend the role of CD38 in the context of therapy of solid tumors and expand the role of the molecule from a simple marker to an immunomodulator.


2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1691-1699 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Hufbauer ◽  
A. Rutschmann ◽  
B. Serrate ◽  
H. Vermeil de Conchard ◽  
B. Facon

Author(s):  
Katarzyna Tomaszek ◽  
Agnieszka Muchacka-Cymerman

Most previous research has examined the relationship between FB addiction and burnout level by conducting cross-sectional studies. Little is known about the impact of changes in burnout on FB addiction in an educational context. Through a two-way longitudinal survey of a student population sample (N = 115), this study examined the influence of changes in academic burnout over time and FB motives and importance (measured at the beginning and the end of the semester) on FB intrusion measured at the end of the academic semester. The findings show that: (1) increases in cynicism and in FB motives and importance significantly predicted time2 FB intrusion; (2) FB importance enhanced the prediction power of changes in the academic burnout total score, exhaustion and personal inefficacy, and reduced the regression coefficient of changes in cynicism; (3) the interaction effects between FB social motive use and changes in academic burnout, as well as between FB importance and personal inefficacy and exhaustion, accounted for a significant change in the explained variance of time2 FB intrusion. About 20–30% of the variance in time2 FB intrusion was explained by all the examined variables and by the interactions between them. The results suggest that changes in academic burnout and FB motives and importance are suppressive variables, as including these variables in the regression model all together changed the significance of the relationship between independent variables and FB intrusion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-116
Author(s):  
Abira Reizer ◽  
Meni Koslowsky ◽  
Rivki Antilevich-Steg

In recent years, several investigations of the medical clowning profession have appeared in the literature. However, few studies have focused on factors associated with turnover among medical clowns early in their careers. The current study examined whether individual differences in humor disposition predicted turnover behavior. Participants were 111 medical clowns in a three-phase longitudinal study. Humor disposition was measured in the first week of their training, clowns' job satisfaction two months later, and turnover six months after that. Results showed that humor appreciation decreased actual turnover through the mediating role of job satisfaction, whereas individual differences in humor creation directly decreased turnover. In addition, previous traumatic experiences moderated the associations between humor appreciation and turnover. Overall, our research findings support the notion that humor disposition can help predict which clowns remain in the hospital.


Author(s):  
Yue Zhao ◽  
Yuxia Liu ◽  
Shuang Li ◽  
Zhaoyun Peng ◽  
Xiantao Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide (Ferlay et al., Int J Cancer 136:E359–386, 2015). In addition, lung cancer is associated with the highest mortality among all cancer types (Wu et al., Exp Ther Med 16:3004–3010, 2018). Previous studies report that microbiota play an important role in lung cancer. Notably, changes in lung and gut microbiota, are associated with progression of lung cancer. Several studies report that lung and gut microbiome promote lung cancer initiation and development by modulating metabolic pathways, inhibiting the function of immune cells, and producing pro-inflammatory factors. In addition, some factors such as microbiota dysbiosis, affect production of bacteriotoxins, genotoxicity and virulence effect, therefore, they play a key role in cancer progression. These findings imply that lung and gut microbiome are potential markers and targets for lung cancer. However, the role of microbiota in development and progression of lung cancer has not been fully explored. Purpose The aim of this study was to systemically review recent research findings on relationship of lung and gut microbiota with lung cancer. In addition, we explored gut–lung axis and potential mechanisms of lung and gut microbiota in modulating lung cancer progression. Conclusion Pulmonary and intestinal flora influence the occurrence, development, treatment and prognosis of lung cancer, and will provide novel strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer.


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