On the definitions of response rates - ARCHIVED

In this paper, different types of response/nonresponse and associated measures such as rates are provided and discussed together with their implications on both estimation and administrative procedures. The missing data problems lead to inconsistent terminology related to nonresponse such as completion rates, eligibility rates, contact rates, and refusal rates, many of which can be defined in different ways. In addition, there are item nonresponse rates as well as characteristic response rates. Depending on the uses, the rates may be weighted or unweighted.