Predicting When to Adopt Given Frame Construction Methods: Modeling Coverage and Cost Benefits
Ipek Bilgen
NORC
Tamara Brooks
NORC
Mark Clausen
NORC
Katie Dekker
NORC
Ned English
NORC
Lee Fiorio
NORC
Colm O'Muircheartaigh
The University of Chicago
At the present day there are multiple ways to construct sampling frames for address-based studies in any mode. Depending on the environment and available technology, one could implement traditional listing, enhanced (or dependent) listing, or use an extract of the USPS delivery sequence file (DSF or CDSF) alone. Each method has advantages in terms of coverage properties and cost which vary due to urbanicity, the availability of lists, and other factors. At question is how do the coverage and cost properties relate across frame construction methods and environments. We use data from an experiment embedded in the National Children's Study where selected segments were listed by each method and blindly verified in-person for coverage. This experiment was implemented in rural, suburban, and urban areas of varying housing age and socioeconomic environment. The results of our modeling show which frame construction methods carry the greatest coverage advantages in what situation, and the cost-benefit implied by each. Our paper contributes to the literature of predicting when it is most appropriate to adopt certain frame construction methods, as predicted through a priori information.
