Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Publication
    Clustering ranked preference data using sociodemographic covariates
    Ranked preference data arise when a set of judges rank, in order of their preference, a set of objects. Such data arise in preferential voting systems and market research surveys. Covariate data associated with the judges are also often recorded. Such covariate data should be used in conjunction with preference data when drawing inferences about judges. To cluster a population of judges, the population is modelled as a collection of homogeneous groups. The Plackett-Luce model for ranked data is employed to model a judge’s ranked preferences within a group. A mixture of Plackett-Luce models is employed to model the population of judges, where each component in the mixture represents a group of judges. Mixture of experts models provide a framework in which covariates are included in mixture models. Covariates are included through the mixing proportions and the component density parameters. A mixture of experts model for ranked preference data is developed by combining a mixture of experts model and a mixture of Plackett-Luce models. Particular attention is given to the manner in which covariates enter the model. The mixing proportions and group specific parameters are potentially dependent on covariates. Model selection procedures are employed to choose optimal models. Model parameters are estimated via the ‘EMM algorithm’, a hybrid of the Expectation-Maximization and the Minorization-Maximization algorithms. Examples are provided through a menu survey and through Irish election data. Results indicate mixture modelling using covariates is insightful when examining a population of judges who express preferences.
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  • Publication
    Mixed membership models for rank data: Investigating structure in Irish voting data
    A mixed membership model is an individual level mixture model where individuals have partial membership of the profiles (or groups) that characterize a population. A mixed membership model for rank data is outlined and illustrated through the analysis of voting in the 2002 Irish general election. This particular election uses a voting system called proportional representation using a single transferable vote (PR-STV) where voters rank some or all of the candidates in order of preference. The data set considered consists of all votes in a constituency from the 2002 Irish general election. Interest lies in highlighting distinct voting profiles within the electorate and studying how voters affiliate themselves to these voting profiles. The mixed membership model for rank data is fitted to the voting data and is shown to give a concise and highly interpretable explanation of voting patterns in this election.
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