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An analysis of survey data for estimating Marcellus Shale perceptions

Zell, Katrina (2013) An analysis of survey data for estimating Marcellus Shale perceptions. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This investigation evaluates different methodologies to determine which is most appropriate to use on survey data. Multivariate ordinary linear regression (OLS), logistic, multinomial logistic (MLR), and ordered logistic regressions (OLR) were conducted to predict support for or opposition to drilling the Marcellus Shale (MS) for natural gas. In all analyses, perceptions of the MS as an economic opportunity and as an environmental and public health threat significantly affected support of drilling, increasing and decreasing, respectively. Women were less supportive of drilling, and having a family-owned natural gas lease increased support of drilling.

The assumptions of OLS were violated, indicating it was a poor choice for these data. The assumptions of logistic regression were met, but literature indicates that dichotomizing an outcome affects the inferences that can be made about the results. The assumptions of the MLR and OLR were violated with the original data, but when collapsing the outcome levels, the assumptions of the MLR were met. The consistently statistically significant predictors had similar estimated odds ratios in both the MLR and the OLR. A larger sample size is necessary in order to get more conclusive results, but it appears that an OLR is the most appropriate methodology to use on a categorical outcome in survey data. The findings of this study can be used to determine the public’s attitudes regarding MS activities. These attitudes can be seen as reflective of how the MS is perceived to affect the public’s health and which changes need to be made as a way to improve health.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Zell, Katrinakaz37@pitt.eduKAZ37
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Thesis AdvisorYouk, Adaayouk@pitt.eduAYOUK
Committee MemberGoldstein, Bernardbdgold@pitt.eduBDGOLD
Committee MemberBuchanich, Jeaninejeanine@pitt.eduJEANINE
Date: 27 June 2013
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 3 April 2013
Approval Date: 27 June 2013
Submission Date: 3 April 2013
Access Restriction: 1 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 1 year.
Number of Pages: 65
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Biostatistics
Degree: MS - Master of Science
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: Marcellus Shale, survey data, methodological comparisons
Date Deposited: 27 Jun 2013 23:04
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 14:11
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/18113

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