Abstract #300077

This is the preliminary program for the 2003 Joint Statistical Meetings in San Francisco, California. Currently included in this program is the "technical" program, schedule of invited, topic contributed, regular contributed and poster sessions; Continuing Education courses (August 2-5, 2003); and Committee and Business Meetings. This on-line program will be updated frequently to reflect the most current revisions.

To View the Program:
You may choose to view all activities of the program or just parts of it at any one time. All activities are arranged by date and time.

The views expressed here are those of the individual authors
and not necessarily those of the ASA or its board, officers, or staff.

Back to main JSM 2003 Program page
JSM 2003 Abstract #300077
Activity Number: 242
Type: Contributed
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 5, 2003 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
Sponsor: Section on Survey Research Methods
Abstract - #300077
Title: Reordering the Darkness: Application of Effort and Unit Nonresponse in the SCF
Author(s): Arthur B. Kennickell*+
Companies: Federal Reserve Board
Address: Mail Stop 153, Washington, DC, 20551-0001,
Keywords: Nonresponse ; Cost control ; Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) ; Effort
Abstract:

Unit nonresponse in surveys has three key underlying components. Some respondents may be difficult to contact; when contact has been made, others may be resistant to participating; finally, there may be deficiencies or variations in the effort applied to persuade a sample of cases to participate. If any of these factors have systematic effects on response that are correlated with the measurements of interest, then there will be bias. If the mechanisms of nonresponse are sufficiently understood and sufficient data are available quickly enough, it might be possible to ameliorate some aspects of bias through dynamic stratification or subsampling, potentially a more efficient approach than post-survey weighting adjustments. However, because respondent-centered nonresponse motives are not independent of the application of effort, observed nonresponse propensities alone do not provide a sufficient guide for more targeted application of effort. This paper uses data on case administration and other information from the 2001 Survey of Consumer Finances to explore the application of effort and its implications for nonresponse.

  • The address information is for the authors that have a + after their name.
  • Authors who are presenting talks have a * after their name.

Back to the full JSM 2003 program

JSM 2003 For information, contact meetings@amstat.org or phone (703) 684-1221. If you have questions about the Continuing Education program, please contact the Education Department.
Revised March 2003