scholarly journals Gifted and Talented Services for EFL Learners in China: A Step-by-Step Guide to Propensity Score Matching Analysis in R

Data ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Shifang Tang ◽  
Fuhui Tong ◽  
Xiuhong Lu
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Propensity Score Matching ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Gifted And Talented ◽  
English Language ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Propensity Score Matching Analysis ◽  
Tier 1 ◽  
Positive Effect

We sought to quantify the effectiveness of a gifted and talented (GT) program, as was provided to university students who demonstrated a talent for learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in China. To do so, we used propensity score matching (PSM) techniques to analyze data collected from a tier-1 university where an English talent (ET) program was provided. Specifically, we provided (a) a step-by-step guide of PSM analysis using the R analytical package, (b) the codes for PSM analysis and visualization, and (c) the final analysis of baseline equivalence and treatment effect based on the matching sample. Collectively, the results of descriptive statistics, visualization, and baseline equivalence indicate that PSM is an effective matching technique for generating an unbiased counterfactual analysis. Moreover, the ET program yields a statistically significant, positive effect on ET students’ English language proficiency.

scholarly journals Glucocorticoids in acute pancreatitis: a propensity score matching analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Wang ◽  
Zongxing Jiang ◽  
Hongyin Liang
Keyword(s):  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Organ Failure ◽  
Propensity Score Matching ◽  
Fluid Intake ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Apache Ii ◽  
Propensity Score Matching Analysis ◽  
Multi Organ Failure ◽  
Positive Balance

Abstract Background There are few reports about the effect of glucocorticoids in the treatment of acute pancreatitis in humans. This study aims to evaluate the effect of glucocorticoids in the treatment of acute pancreatitis by propensity score matching analysis. Results Acute pancreatitis patients admitted between 2014 and 2019 were collected from the database and analyzed. Included patients were divided into the glucocorticoids-used group (GC group) and the non-glucocorticoids-used group (NGC group) according to whether glucocorticoids were used. A total of 818 eligible patients were included in the final analysis. Seventy-six patients were treated with glucocorticoids, and 742 patients were treated without glucocorticoids. Before propensity score matching, the triglyceride levels (38.2 ± 18.5 vs. 20.2 ± 16.8, P < 0.05) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores (7.1 ± 2.5 vs. 4.5 ± 2.1, P < 0.05) at admission were significantly higher in the GC group than in the NGC group. The incidence of multi-organ failure (33.3% vs. 11.9%, P < 0.05) was significantly higher in the GC group than in the NGC group. Patients in the GC group showed a positive balance of fluid intake and output over 72 h. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 59 patients from each group (GC and NGC) were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, triglycerides, or APACHE II scores between the two groups (P > 0.05), and the patients’ clinical outcomes were reversed. The proportion of patients with organ failure (40.7% vs. 52.5%, p < 0.05) and multi-organ failure (35.0% vs. 67.7%, P < 0.05) was significantly lower in the GC group than in the NGC group. Furthermore, patients in the GC group had significantly shorter lengths of hospital stay (12.9 ± 5.5 vs. 16.3 ± 7.7, P < 0.05) and costs (25,348.4 ± 2512.6vs. 32,421.7 ± 2813.3, P < 0.05) than those in the NGC group. Conclusions This study presents preliminary confirmation of the beneficial effect of glucocorticoids in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. More high-quality prospective studies are needed in the future.

scholarly journals A Propensity Score Method for Investigating Differential Item Functioning in Performance Assessment

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 476-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Y. Chen ◽  
Yan Liu ◽  
Bruno D. Zumbo
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Performance Assessment ◽  
Differential Item Functioning ◽  
Propensity Score Matching ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Internal Variable ◽  
Propensity Score Method ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Item Functioning

This study introduces a novel differential item functioning (DIF) method based on propensity score matching that tackles two challenges in analyzing performance assessment data, that is, continuous task scores and lack of a reliable internal variable as a proxy for ability or aptitude. The proposed DIF method consists of two main stages. First, propensity score matching is used to eliminate preexisting group differences before the test, ideally creating equivalent groups as in a randomized experimental study. Then, linear mixed effects models are adopted to perform DIF analysis based on the matched data set. We demonstrate this propensity DIF method using a high-stakes functional English language proficiency test. DIF due to education was investigated in the writing component, which consists of two continuously scored performance-based tasks. Although the proposed method is demonstrated in the context of language testing, it can be applied to other types of performance assessments.

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