Non-response in Dutch sample surveys

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bethlehem, Jelke G.¹ | Kersten, Hubert M.P.²

Note: [1] Jelke G. Bethlehem studied mathematics at the University of Amsterdam with a major in mathematical statistics. After completing his doctoral examination in 1974, he worked as a research associate at the Mathematical Centre in Amsterdam. In 1978 he started to work at the Department for Statistical Methods of the Netherlands Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) where he is engaged in statistical consulting as well as research in the field of multivariate statistics and sampling methods.

Note: [2] Hubert M.P. Kersten studied mathematics at the State University of Leyden with a major in mathematical optimization methods and economics. After his doctoral examination in 1976 he joined the Department for Statistical Methods of the CBS as a research associate, working in the field of sampling theory. In collaboration with J.O. Bethlehem he is working on the non-response project of this department. Various papers on non-response research were published, i.e. in Dutch journals (Kwantitative Methoden, Mens en Maatschappij) and in Survey Methodology.

Abstract: The Netherlands Central Bureau of Statistics undertakes research in relation to non-response problems. The phenomenon of non-response is put into a general framework. The extent of non-response is determined for a number of CBS surveys. Information about non-respondents is obtained through the use of auxiliary variables. These variables can be used either to characterize non-respondents or as stratification variables in adjustment procedures. Subgroup weighting constitutes the main method for adjustment of non-response bias. However, a number of other methods are also used in order to reduce this bias.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1982-1210

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 253-268, 1982