Direct density estimation as an ill-posed inverse estimation problem

A possible definition of ill-posedness in statistical estimation is the lack of qualitative robustness. In this sense direct density estimation shares ill-posedness with the more obviously ill-posed indirect density estimation models, of which it is a special case. A general construction pattern for estimators is proposed, based on suitable preconditioning, that works for both direct and indirect density estimation. Special emphasis is on its application to the direct case, where in general it yields delta-sequence estimators. More specifically both kernel and series type estimators are included depending on the choice of preconditioning operator. In particular sinc and other flattop kernel estimators emerge in a natural way.     

Internationale Paul-Felix-Lazarsfeld-Professur an der Human- und Sozialwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Wien eingerichtet

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Hayek and liberal pedagogy

The author employs Hayek’s concepts of knowledge and spontaneous order to outline a learning-centered alternative to teacher- and student-centered pedagogies. In a Hayekian classroom, learning (intellectual order) emerges from a polycentric web of instruction, study, conversation, frustration, and discovery that continually elicits and tests the knowledge claims of students and teachers. Yet, unlike Hayek’s impersonal market process, the process of liberal learning is both personal and impersonal. To capture this hybridity, the author supplements Hayek’s insights with those of Parker Palmer, a liberal educator whose analysis of the classroom as a community of truth is attuned to the interpersonal dimensions of knowing and learning.     

The Success of American Communes

This study analyzes the effect of the structure of communes on their success, using the data of 281 communes started in America from 1683 to 1937. Factors increasing the likelihood of success include (i) being a pietist religious sect, (ii) inducing commitment as measured by an index of several underlying variables, (iii) allowing some private property, and (iv) with some qualification, having anarchic governance. These results support the prevailing commitment hypothesis. They additionally indicate that communes can increase their likelihood of success by making some concessions to egoistic concerns.     

Presentation Format and Financial Literacy: Accessibility and Assessability of Retirement Savings Statements

While increased financial literacy may improve individual retirement savings decisions, modifying the placement of key information in retirement savings statements can produce further improvements. We examined the extent to which placement of information and financial literacy affected the accessibility of information for individuals and assisted in their financial decision making. We also disaggregated financial literacy into numeracy and knowledge to identify key drivers. Using an experimental design, we find the increased salience resulting from modifying the presentation format improved participants' ability to locate important information (accessibility) and to evaluate the relative performance of funds (assessability). However, the incremental benefits of placement are only found for individuals with moderate numeracy skills. We conclude there is value accruing from financial literacy programs as advocated by regulators, but suggest additional benefits may be reaped from focusing on numeracy skills and from using presentation formats that improve information accessibility and assessability.