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Some coverage error models for census data.

Journal of the American Statistical Association

|June 1, 1986

Summary

New models address coverage error in human population surveys and censuses, drawing from capture-recapture and dual-system methods. This research offers estimation techniques and distinguishes between sampling error and model error.

Keywords:

Americas Census Data Collection Developed Countries Developing Countries Dual Data Collection Error Sources Measurement Methodological Studies North America Northern America Population Statistics Research Methodology Sampling Studies Studies Surveys Undercount United States

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Area of Science:

Statistics
Demography
Survey Methodology

Background:

Coverage error is a significant challenge in human population surveys and censuses.
Existing methods often rely on assumptions that may not fully capture the complexities of coverage error.
Understanding and quantifying coverage error is crucial for accurate demographic estimates.

Purpose of the Study:

To present alternative statistical models for representing coverage error in surveys and censuses.
To explore the relationship between these models and established methods like capture-recapture and dual-system models.
To discuss estimation methodologies for one of the proposed coverage error models.

Main Methods:

Development of alternative models for coverage error.
Relating these models to capture-recapture (wildlife) and dual-system (vital events) models.
Discussion of estimation methodologies for a chosen coverage error model.

Main Results:

The study introduces novel models for coverage error in population studies.
It demonstrates the connection between these models and existing statistical frameworks.
An example using 1980 U.S. census data illustrates the application of the methodology.

Conclusions:

The proposed models offer a new perspective on understanding and quantifying coverage error.
Distinctions are made between sampling error and model-associated error.
The research provides a foundation for adjusting census and survey data to correct for coverage error.