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Activity Number:
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233
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Type:
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Topic Contributed
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Date/Time:
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Tuesday, August 8, 2006 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
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Sponsor:
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Section on Survey Research Methods
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| Abstract - #306874 |
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Title:
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Unfolding the Answers? Income Brackets and Income Nonresponse in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
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Author(s):
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John Pleis*+
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Companies:
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National Center for Health Statistics
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Address:
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3311 Toledo Road, Hyattsville, MD, 20782,
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Keywords:
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nonresponse ; income ; brackets
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Abstract:
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Nonresponse to income-related survey questions is problematic and may lead to biased estimates. In the NHIS, respondents are first asked to provide the exact dollar amount of the family's income in the previous calendar year (nonresponse = 30%). Current follow-up questions based on income intervals have had minimal effect on lowering nonresponse. Using the NHIS screened-out sample from April-June of 2006, we present the results of alternative income questions using unfolding brackets. Respondents were randomly assigned to the existing or alternative method. Alternative methods for asking about the sources of income were used to assess whether item nonresponse for income could be reduced. Instead of asking about each source separately, a flashcard approach was used where families were asked about only the income sources of which they initially indicated receipt.
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