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Analysis of Quality of Life and Rural Development: Evidence from West Virginia Data
Author(s) -
Bukenya James O.,
Gebremedhin Tesfa G.,
Schaeffer Peter V.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
growth and change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.657
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1468-2257
pISSN - 0017-4815
DOI - 10.1111/1468-2257.00214
Subject(s) - categorical variable , geocoding , socioeconomic status , sample (material) , geography , survey data collection , probit model , west virginia , ordered probit , index (typography) , econometrics , statistics , regional science , psychology , economics , sociology , demography , mathematics , computer science , cartography , population , chemistry , chromatography , world wide web , archaeology
This paper examines the relationship between quality of life, rural development, and several socioeconomic variables. The analysis utilizes data obtained from a survey questionnaire administered to a random sample of more than 2,000 residents in West Virginia, and spatial data obtained by geocoding the survey respondents’ addressees. Quality of life is measured by a three‐point categorical measure of overall satisfaction, and development is measured by a goods and services availability index. A simultaneous ordered probit model is used to examine the relationships. The empirical results are consistent with the theoretical predictions and indicate a simultaneous relationship between quality of life satisfaction and rural development.