Modified randomized devices for Simmons' model

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Perri, Pier Francesco

Affiliations: Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: To improve the performance of Simmons’ randomized response model in the estimation of a sensitive proportion πA, two randomization devices, based on three outcomes, are introduced. The former acts as a dual method to that discussed in Singh et al. [23] since it calls for a “yes” response when a blank card is drawn; the latter resorts to Simmons’ device if a blank card occurs. Under the two models, the estimators of πA are obtained in closed form and their efficiency is investigated by means of analytical and numerical comparisons. It is proved that the second device always works better than Simmons’ one.

Keywords: Warner's method, sensitive questions, randomized response, estimation of proportion, efficiency

DOI: 10.3233/MAS-2008-3307

Journal: Model Assisted Statistics and Applications, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 233-239, 2008