Estimating the standard errors of rotated factor loadings by jackknifing

The jackknife by groups and modifications of the jackknife by groups are used to estimate standard errors of rotated factor loadings for selected populations in common factor model maximum likelihood factor analysis. Simulations are performed in whicht-statistics based upon these jackknife estimates of the standard errors are computed. The validity of thet-statistics and their associated confidence intervals is assessed. Methods are given through which the computational efficiency of the jackknife may be greatly enhanced in the factor analysis model.Computing assistance was obtained from the Health Sciences Computing Facility, UCLA, sponsored by NIH Special Research Resources Grant RR-3.The author wishes to thank his doctoral committee co-chairmen, Drs James W. Frane and Robert I. Jennrich, UCLA, for their contributions to this research.     

Estimation of covariance structure models with parameters subject to functional restraints

This paper demonstrates the feasibility of using the penalty function method to estimate parameters that are subject to a set of functional constraints in covariance structure analysis. Both types of inequality and equality constraints are studied. The approaches of maximum likelihood and generalized least squares estimation are considered. A modified Scoring algorithm and a modified Gauss-Newton algorithm are implemented to produce the appropriate constrained estimates. The methodology is illustrated by its applications to Heywood cases in confirmatory factor analysis, quasi-Weiner simplex model, and multitrait-multimethod matrix analysis.The author is indebted to several anonymous reviewers for creative suggestions for improvement of this paper. Computer funding is provided by the Computer Services Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.     

A feasible method for standard errors of estimate in maximum likelihood factor analysis

A jackknife-like procedure is developed for producing standard errors of estimate in maximum likelihood factor analysis. Unlike earlier methods based on information theory, the procedure developed is computationally feasible on larger problems. Unlike earlier methods based on the jackknife, the present procedure is not plagued by the factor alignment problem, the Heywood case problem, or the necessity to jackknife by groups. Standard errors may be produced for rotated and unrotated loading estimates using either orthogonal or oblique rotation as well as for estimates of unique factor variances and common factor correlations. The total cost for larger problems is a small multiple of the square of the number of variables times the number of observations used in the analysis. Examples are given to demonstrate the feasibility of the method.The research done by R. I. Jennrich was supported in part by NSF Grant MCS 77-02121. The research done by D. B. Clarkson was supported in part by NSERC Grant A3109.     

Quasi‐Experimental Single‐Subject Design: Comparing Seeking Safety and Canine‐Assisted Therapy Interventions Among Mentally Ill Female Inmates

This repeated measures quasi‐experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of 2 interventions, Seeking Safety and canine‐assisted therapy, with female prisoners with trauma histories on a mental health unit. Results indicate both are effective at reducing anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder.     

Applied Political Philosophy at the Rubicon: Will Kymlica's Multicultural Citizenship

Will Kymlicka's Multicultural Citizenship represents an extraordinary attempt to put applied political philosophy to work in the empirical context of contemporary political debates about immigration and ethnic minorities in western society. This paper explores the methodological and interpretative difficulties of combining normative and empirical goals, in a critical discussion of the examples Kymlicka makes of multicultural issues in France, Britain and the US. It goes on to argue that these weaknesses lie in the Rawlsian influence in Kymlicka's work, and that political philosophers may have to rethink their methodological approach if they wish to pursue further the kind of applied work which Kymlicka is aiming for.     

Critiques of Casuistry and Why They Are Mistaken

Casuistic methods of reasoning in medical ethics have been criticized by a number of authors. At least five main objections to casuistry have been put forward: (1) it requires a uniformity of views that is not present in contemporary pluralistic society; (2) it cannot achieve consensus on controversial issues; (3) it is unable to examine critically intuitions about cases; (4) it yields different conclusions about cases when alternative paradigms are chosen; and (5) it cannot articulate the grounds of its conclusions. Two main versions of casuistry have been put forward, and the responses to these objections depend in part on which version one is defending. Jonsen has advocated a version modeled on the approach to casuistry used by moral theologians in the 15th and 16th century, involving comparison of the case at hand with a single paradigm and a lineup of cases. The present author has advocated another version, drawn from experience with cases in clinical ethics, which involves comparing the case at hand with two or more paradigms. Four of the five objections are unsuccessful when directed against Jonsen'sapproach, and all of them are unsuccessful when directed against the approach involving comparison with two or more paradigms.     

Complexity science: A framework for psychotherapy integration

The paradigm of complexity science provides a new way to address the problem of psychotherapy integration and allows us to bypass the various shortcomings of the linear-interventionist perspective. Nine criteria are outlined, which should be satisfied by any integrative approach to psychotherapy: (a) the use of complexity science to provide a meta-theoretical and generic understanding of change processes (from neuronal to social system levels); (b) a comprehensive and formalised modelling of change processes and personality development; (c) an integrative method of case formulation; (d) the ability to understand a variety of techniques in terms of basic change principles; (e) criteria to guide microdecisions; (f) the application of data-driven feedback and real-time monitoring of change dynamics; (g) standardised assessment of outcomes in naturalistic settings; (h) guidelines for training; and (i) strategies that are well-suited to science–practice integration. Using these criteria as a framework for evaluation, one may grasp the potential of complexity science to drive innovation in the pursuit of psychotherapy integration.     

Fictional Stories With Ethical Content: Guidelines for Using Stories to Improve Ethical Behavior

Fictional literature has been used as a pedagogical tool to elevate student awareness and moral reasoning, ultimately helping them to develop sound decision-making skills when they are confronted with ethical situations. However, the use of fiction for teaching ethics is still uncommon, leaving considerable potential for advancement. This particular study develops theoretical guidelines for using fictional stories with ethical content (FSECs) as a suitable method for teaching ethics. The FSEC guidelines include a working definition and 5 supporting principles that collectively differentiate FSECs from other forms of fiction that can be used for teaching ethics.     

Dementia and Suffering in Nursing Homes

SUMMARY

This paper uses case studies of challenging behaviour associated with dementia to demonstrate, firstly, that disturbed behaviour is often a manifestation of suffering caused by multiple phenomena such as medical problems or the care environment. Addressing these causes instead of simplistically ‘treating the behaviour’ usually reduces the behaviour. Secondly, staff distress with a particular difficult resident is often caused by more general fundamental problems such as a lack of support or knowledge. Addressing these problems reduces staff distress. Finally, results from a Swedish intervention study are presented. They show that suffering for both staff and residents can be reduced, and quality of life improved, by providing increased autonomy for hands-on staff, systematic emotional support, and collaboratively developing care plans based on each resident's emotional and physical needs, rather than the problems they present.