Estimation in Surveys with Nonresponse (Wiley Series in Survey Methodology) - Hardcover

Carl-Erik Särndal; Sixten Lundström

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0470011335 ISBN 13: 9780470011331

Publisher: Wiley, 2005

Synopsis

There is increasing interest in the study of nonresponse in statistical surveys, as there is a need to reduce the level of nonresponse in order to increase the validity of the results, and to deal with the problem of nonresponse once it has arisen. It is possible to reduce the amount of nonresponse in a survey, but not possible to avoid it completely. Therefore there is a need for techniques that enable the survey statistician to estimate the level of nonresponse, and adjust for it accordingly in order to improve the results. This book presents a practical overview of techniques for estimating nonresponse in statistical surveys, and for adjusting for it once it has occurred. It also covers the related topics of frame imperfections and coverage errors in surveys, featuring many worked examples and implementation of the methods in a number of statistical software packages. The text is based upon a manual developed at Statistics Sweden, and used extensively by government statisticians working with data from real surveys. Features: Provides an overview of methods for the estimation of nonresponse in statistical surveys. Covers a range of methods for nonresponse adjustment, particularly reweighting and imputation. Includes guidelines for dealing with frame imperfections and coverage errors. Features worked examples throughout using real data. Includes implementation of the methods in a range of statistical software It will appeal to researchers and practitioners analyzing data from statistical surveys. Also suitable as supplementary reading for graduate students of survey statistics.

About this title

Review

..".useful...for the theoretically inclined survey statistician..." (Technometrics, May 2007)

"This impressive piece of work can be thoroughly recommended to anyone" (Zentralblatt MATH Volume 1079)

From the Back Cover

Around the world a multitude of surveys are conducted every day, on a variety of subjects, and consequently surveys have become an accepted part of modern life. However, in recent years survey estimates have been increasingly affected by rising trends in nonresponse, with loss of accuracy as an undesirable result. Whilst it is possible to reduce nonresponse to some degree, it cannot be completely eliminated. Estimation techniques that account systematically for nonresponse and at the same time succeed in delivering acceptable accuracy are much needed.

Estimation in Surveys with Nonresponse provides an overview of these techniques, presenting the view of nonresponse as a normal (albeit undesirable) feature of a sample survey, one whose potentially harmful effects are to be minimised.

• Builds in the nonresponse feature of survey data collection as an integral part of the theory, both for point estimation and for variance estimation.
• Promotes weighting through calibration as a new and powerful technique for surveys with nonresponse.
• Highlights the analysis of nonresponse bias in estimates and methods to minimize this bias.
• Includes computational tools to help identify the best variables for calibration.
• Discusses the use of imputation as a complement to weighting by calibration.
• Contains guidelines for dealing with frame imperfections and coverage errors.
• Features worked examples throughout the text, using real data.

The accessible style of Estimation in Surveys with Nonresponse will make this an invaluable tool for survey methodologists in national statistics agencies and private survey agencies. Researchers, teachers, and students of statistics, social sciences and economics will benefit from the clear presentation and numerous examples.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0470011335
• ISBN 13: 9780470011331
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 216