Separating Refusal Bias and Non-Contact Bias: evidence from UK national surveys

Publication type

Journal Article

Authors

Publication date

August 22, 2002

Abstract:

Refusal by sample units and failure to contact sample units can both contribute to survey non-response bias. However, the nature of the contribution can be rather different in the two cases. Extended field efforts may reduce either or both components of non-response bias. In this article we examine data from a number of UK surveys on extended field efforts and the impact that they appear to have upon non-response bias and its components. Some consistent patterns are found. We also explore the sensitivity of such analyses to the operational definition of extended efforts. The findings provide some evidence of the relative roles of refusal conversion and repeated contact attempts in reducing non-response bias. The study also has implications for the development of appropriate field strategies to combat non-response bias.

Published in

Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series D (The Statistician)

Volume and page numbers

Volume: 51 , p.319 -333

ISSN

390526

Link

- http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0039-0526

Notes

Held online ASL - http://serlib0.essex.ac.uk/record=b1465830~S5


Related Publications

#519407

News

Latest findings, new research

Publications search

Search all research by subject and author

Podcasts

Researchers discuss their findings and what they mean for society

Projects

Background and context, methods and data, aims and outputs

Events

Conferences, seminars and workshops

Survey methodology

Specialist research, practice and study

Taking the long view

ISER's annual report

Themes

Key research themes and areas of interest