Using matched census-survey records to evaluate the quality of survey data

This paper discusses in detail issues dealing with the technical aspects of designing and conducting surveys. It is intended for an audience of survey methodologists.

Following the last three censuses in Britain, survey non-response on major government household surveys has been investigated by linking addresses sampled for surveys taking place around the time of the census to individual census records for the same addresses. This paper outlines the design of the 2001 British Census-linked Study of Survey Nonresponse. The study involves 10 surveys that vary significantly in design and response rates. The key feature of the study is the extensive use of auxiliary data and multilevel modelling to identify interviewer, household and area level effects.