Cross-sectional estimation in multiple-panel household surveys

This paper presents weighting procedures that combine information from multiple panels of a repeated panel household survey for cross-sectional estimation. The dynamic character of a repeated panel survey is discussed in relation to estimation of population parameters at any wave of the survey. A repeated panel survey with overlapping panels is described as a special type of multiple frame survey, with the frames of the panels forming a time sequence. The paper proposes weighting strategies suitable for various multiple panel survey situations. The proposed weighting schemes involve an adjustment of weights in domains of the combined panel sample that represent identical time periods covered by the individual panels. A weight adjustment procedure that deals with changes in the panels over time is discussed. The integration of the various weight adjustments required for cross-sectional estimation in a repeated panel household survey is also discussed.