Non-response error in surveys

• Main Author: Taljaard, Monica
• Other Authors: Eiselen, R. J.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Non-response bias; Unit non-response; Item non-response; Response rate; Completion rate; Substitution; Call-backs and follow-ups; Sub-sampling; Response mechanism; Sample weighting; Population weighting; Post-stratification; Raking ratio estimation; Imputation; Distance function matching; 001.433; Social surveys > Response rate; Error analysis (Mathematics) > Statistical methods; Surveys > Statistical methods
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/16167

Non-response is an error common to most surveys. In this dissertation, the error of non-response is described in terms of its sources and its contribution to the Mean Square Error of survey estimates. Various response and completion rates are defined. Techniques are examined that can be used to identify the extent of nonresponse bias in surveys. Methods to identify auxiliary variables for use in nonresponse adjustment procedures are described. Strategies for dealing with nonresponse are classified into two types, namely preventive strategies and post hoc adjustments of data. Preventive strategies discussed include the use of call-backs and follow-ups and the selection of a probability sub-sample of non-respondents for intensive follow-ups. Post hoc adjustments discussed include population and sample weighting adjustments and raking ratio estimation to compensate for unit non-response as well as various imputation methods to compensate for item non-response. === Mathematical Sciences === M. Com. (Statistics)