Generalized Linear Factor Score Regression: A Comparison of Four Methods

Factor score regression has recently received growing interest as an alternative for structural equation modeling. However, many applications are left without guidance because of the focus on normally distributed outcomes in the literature. We perform a simulation study to examine how a selection of factor scoring methods compare when estimating regression coefficients in generalized linear factor score regression. The current study evaluates the regression method and the correlation-preserving method as well as two sum score methods in ordinary, logistic, and Poisson factor score regression. Our results show that scoring method performance can differ notably across the considered regression models. In addition, the results indicate that the choice of scoring method can substantially influence research conclusions. The regression method generally performs the best in terms of coefficient and standard error bias, accuracy, and empirical Type I error rates. Moreover, the regression method and the correlation-preserving method mostly outperform the sum score methods.     

Emergent energy

Modern Physics impresses us particularly with the truth of the old doctrine which teaches that there are realities existing apart from our sense-perceptions, and that there are problems and conflicts where these realities are of greater value for us than the richest treasures of the world of experience.     

Longitudinal Continuity in Understanding and Production of Giving-Related Behavior From Infancy to Childhood

Infants have an early understanding of giving (the transfer of an item by one agent to another), but little is known about individual differences in these abilities or their developmental outcomes. Here, 9-month-olds (N = 59) showing clearer neural processing (Event-related potential, ERP) of a give-me gesture also evidenced a stronger reaction (pupil dilation) to an inappropriate response to a give-me gesture, and at 2 years were more likely to give in response to a give-me gesture. None of the differences in understanding and production of giving-related behaviors were associated with other sociocognitive variables investigated: language, gaze-following, and nongiving helping. The early developmental continuity in understanding and production of giving behavior is consistent with the great importance of giving for humans throughout the life span.     

Child abuse in Malmö 1967–1974

All cases of suspected or verified child abuse (the battered child syndrome) registered at the Department of Paediatrics in Malmö from 1967 through 1974 were surveyed. During this period 52 patients (54 incidents) were observed, the majority in the years 1970 to 1974. In 5 suspected cases the examination, social history and other circumstances excluded physical abuse. The incidence of child abuse in the city of Malmö for the years 1970 to 1974 was estimated at 35 cases per million inhabitants and year. When compared to the incidence reported in an earlier Swedish investigation (Barnmisshandel 1969) the figures suggest a real increase in the rate of child abuse. In comparison with the estimated incidence in USA and Great Britain the Malmö figures appear low, however. The age of the battered children, the family situation and the social characteristics were essentially in agreement with previous reports. Of the inflicted injuries 37 per cent were regarded as serious or very serious. One child died and in another the injuries resulted in permanent damage. Sixteen children had been repeatedly battered. Up to the end of 1974 10 per cent of the children had been rebattered in spite of what had been thought to be adequate measures to prevent further abuse. Forty-three families (6 were excluded for different reasons) were retrospectively analyzed with regard to the domestic and social situation. It was concluded that in 16 of these families it had not been possible to discern that the child was at risk. The investigation emphasizes the need for psychological assessment of battering parents, and suggests that cases of child abuse should be handled by a team of medical and social experts.     

Institute notes

International Review of Education -     

Anthropogenic emission is the main contributor to the rise of atmospheric methane during 1993–2017

Atmospheric methane (CH₄) concentrations have shown a puzzling resumption in growth since 2007 following a period of stabilization from 2000 to 2006. Multiple hypotheses have been proposed to explain the temporal variations in CH₄ growth, and attribute the rise of atmospheric CH₄ either to increases in emissions from fossil fuel activities, agriculture and natural wetlands, or to a decrease in the atmospheric chemical sink. Here, we use a comprehensive ensemble of CH₄ source estimates and isotopic δ¹³C-CH₄ source signature data to show that the resumption of CH₄ growth is most likely due to increased anthropogenic emissions. Our emission scenarios that have the fewest biases with respect to isotopic composition suggest that the agriculture, landfill and waste sectors were responsible for 53 ± 13% of the renewed growth over the period 2007–2017 compared to 2000–2006; industrial fossil fuel sources explained an additional 34 ± 24%, and wetland sources contributed the least at 13 ± 9%. The hypothesis that a large increase in emissions from natural wetlands drove the decrease in atmospheric δ¹³C-CH₄ values cannot be reconciled with current process-based wetland CH₄ models. This finding suggests the need for increased wetland measurements to better understand the contemporary and future role of wetlands in the rise of atmospheric methane and climate feedback. Our findings highlight the predominant role of anthropogenic activities in driving the growth of atmospheric CH₄ concentrations.