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All (105)

All (105) (90 to 100 of 105 results)

91. A transformation method for finite population sampling calibrated with empirical likelihood Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X19960022980
Description:
In this paper, we study a confidence interval estimation method for a finite population average when some auxiliairy information is available. As demonstrated by Royall and Cumberland in a series of empirical studies, naive use of existing methods to construct confidence intervals for population averages may result in very poor conditional coverage probabilities, conditional on the sample mean of the covariate. When this happens, we propose to transform the data to improve the precision of the normal approximation. The transformed data are then used to make inference on the original population average, and the auxiliary information is incorporated into the inference directly, or by calibration with empirical likelihood. Our approach is design-based. We apply our approach to six real populations and find that when transformation is needed, our approach performs well compared to the usual regression method.
Release date: 1997-01-30
92. Fertility Projections for Canada, Provinces and Territories, 1993-2016 Archived
Articles and reports: 91F0015M1996001
Geography: Canada
Description:
This paper describes the methodology for fertility projections used in the 1993-based population projections by age and sex for Canada, provinces and territories, 1993-2016. A new version of the parametric model known as the Pearsonian Type III curve was applied for projecting fertility age pattern. The Pearsonian Type III model is considered as an improvement over the Type I used in the past projections. This is because the Type III curve better portrays both the distribution of the age-specific fertility rates and the estimates of births. Since the 1993-based population projections are the first official projections to incorporate the net census undercoverage in the population base, it has been necessary to recalculate fertility rates based on the adjusted population estimates. This recalculation resulted in lowering the historical series of age-specific and total fertility rates, 1971-1993. The three sets of fertility assumptions and projections were developed with these adjusted annual fertility rates.
It is hoped that this paper will provide valuable information about the technical and analytical aspects of the current fertility projection model. Discussions on the current and future levels and age pattern of fertility in Canada, provinces and territories are also presented in the paper.
Release date: 1996-08-02
93. Multiple sample estimation of population and census undercount in the presence of matching errors Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X199600114385
Description:
The multiple capture-recapture census is reconsidered by relaxing the traditional perfect matching assumption. We propose matching error models to characterize error-prone matching mechanisms. The observed data take the form of an incomplete 2^k contingency table with one missing cell and follow a multinomial distribution. We develop a procedure for the estimation of the population size. Our approach applies to both standard log-linear models for contingency tables and log-linear models for heterogeneity of catchability. We illustrate the method and estimation using a 1988 dress rehearsal study for the 1990 census conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Release date: 1996-06-14
94. Design effects for correlated (P_i - P_j) Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X199500214398
Description:
We present empirical evidence from 14 surveys in six countries concerning the existence and magnitude of design effects (defts) for five designs of two major types. The first type concerns deft (p_i – p_j), the difference of two proportions from a polytomous variable of three or more categories. The second type uses Chi-square tests for differences from two samples. We find that for all variables in all designs deft (p_i – p_j) \cong [deft (p_i) + deft (p_j)] / 2 are good approximations. These are empirical results, and exceptions disprove the existence of mere analytical inequalities. These results hold despite great variations of defts between variables and also between categories of the same variables. They also show the need for sample survey treatment of survey data even for analytical statistics. Furthermore they permit useful approximations of deft (p_i – p_j) from more accessible deft (p_i) values.
Release date: 1995-12-15
95. Median estimation using auxiliary information Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X199500114408
Description:
The problem of estimating the median of a finite population when an auxiliary variable is present is considered. Point and interval estimators based on a non-informative Bayesian approach are proposed. The point estimator is compared to other possible estimators and is seen to perform well in a variety of situations.
Release date: 1995-06-15
96. Robust model-based methods for analytic surveys Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X199200214487
Description:
This paper reviews the idea of robustness for randomisation and model-based inference for descriptive and analytic surveys. The lack of robustness for model-based procedures can be partially overcome by careful design. In this paper a robust model-based approach to analysis is proposed based on smoothing methods.
Release date: 1992-12-15
97. Robustness and optimal design under prediction models for finite populations Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X199200214488
Description:
In many finite population sampling problems the design that is optimal in the sense of minimizing the variance of the best linear unbiased estimator under a particular working model is bad in the sense of robustness - it leaves the estimator extremely vulnerable to bias if the working model is incorrect. However there are some important models under which one design provides both efficiency and robustness. We present a theorem that identifies such models and their optimal designs.
Release date: 1992-12-15
98. A theory of quota surveys Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X199100214504
Description:
Simple or marginal quota surveys are analyzed using two methods: (1) behaviour modelling (superpopulation model) and prediction estimation, and (2) sample modelling (simple restricted random sampling) and estimation derived from the sample distribution. In both cases the limitations of the theory used to establish the variance formulas and estimates when measuring totals are described. An extension of the quota method (non-proportional quotas) is also briefly described and analyzed. In some cases, this may provide a very significant improvement in survey precision. The advantages of the quota method are compared with those of random sampling. The latter remains indispensable in the case of large scale surveys within the framework of Official Statistics.
Release date: 1991-12-16
99. Marginal and approximate conditional likelihoods for sampling on successive occasions Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X199100114521
Description:
Marginal and approximate conditional likelihoods are given for the correlation parameters in a normal linear regression model with correlated errors. This general likelihood approach is applied to obtain marginal and approximate conditional likelihoods for the correlation parameters in sampling on successive occasions under both simple random sampling on each occasion and more complex surveys.
Release date: 1991-06-14
100. Comments by Morris H. Hansen on papers in the Special section – History and emerging issues in censuses and surveys Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X199000114561
Description:
This note by Morris H. Hansen presents a discussion of the four papers in the special section “History and emerging issues in censuses and surveys” by: i) J.N.K. Rao and D.R. Bellhouse, ii) S.E. Fienberg and J.M. Tanur, iii) B.A. Bailar, and iv) L. Kish.

Release date: 1990-06-15

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Analysis (97)

Analysis (97) (50 to 60 of 97 results)

51. Causal inference in observational studies using health administrative data Archived
Articles and reports: 11-522-X200600110419
Description:
Health services research generally relies on observational data to compare outcomes of patients receiving different therapies. Comparisons of patient groups in observational studies may be biased, in that outcomes differ due to both the effects of treatment and the effects of patient prognosis. In some cases, especially when data are collected on detailed clinical risk factors, these differences can be controlled for using statistical or epidemiological methods. In other cases, when unmeasured characteristics of the patient population affect both the decision to provide therapy and the outcome, these differences cannot be removed using standard techniques. Use of health administrative data requires particular cautions in undertaking observational studies since important clinical information does not exist. We discuss several statistical and epidemiological approaches to remove overt (measurable) and hidden (unmeasurable) bias in observational studies. These include regression model-based case-mix adjustment, propensity-based matching, redefining the exposure variable of interest, and the econometric technique of instrumental variable (IV) analysis. These methods are illustrated using examples from the medical literature including prediction of one-year mortality following heart attack; the return to health care spending in higher spending U.S. regions in terms of clinical and financial benefits; and the long-term survival benefits of invasive cardiac management of heart attack patients. It is possible to use health administrative data for observational studies provided careful attention is paid to addressing issues of reverse causation and unmeasured confounding.
Release date: 2008-03-17
52. Defining and Measuring Metropolitan Areas: A Comparison Between Canada and the United States Archived
Articles and reports: 92F0138M2008002
Description:
On November 26 2006, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) held an international workshop on defining and measuring metropolitan regions. The reasons the OECD organized this workshop are listed below.
1. Metropolitan Regions have become a crucial economic actor in today's highly integrated world. Not only do they play their traditional role of growth poles in their countries but they function as essential nodes of the global economy.2. Policy makers, international organisations and research networks are increasingly called to compare the economic and social performances of Metropolitan Regions across countries. Examples of this work undertaken in international organisation and networks include the UN-Habitat, the EU Urban Audit, ESPON and the OECD Competitive Cities.3. The scope of what we can learn from these international comparisons, however, is limited by the lack of a comparable definition of Metropolitan Regions. Although most countries have their own definitions, these vary significantly from one country to another. Furthermore, in search for higher cross-country comparability, international initiatives have - somehow paradoxically - generated an even larger number of definitions.4. In principle, there is no clear reason to prefer one definition to another. As each definition has been elaborated for a specific analytical purpose, it captures some features of a Metropolitan Region while it tends to overlook others. The issue, rather, is that we do not know the pros and the cons of different definitions nor, most important, the analytical implications of using one definition rather than another. 5. In order to respond to these questions, the OECD hosted an international workshop on 'Defining and Measuring Metropolitan Regions'. The workshop brought together major international organisations (the UN, Eurostat, the World Bank, and the OECD), National Statistical Offices and researchers from this field. The aim of the workshop was to develop some 'guiding principles', which could be agreed upon among the participants and would eventually provide the basis for some form of 'International Guidance' for comparing Metropolitan Regions across countries.
This working paper was presented at this workshop. It provides the conceptual and methodological basis for the definition of metropolitan areas in Canada and provides a detailed comparison of Canada's methodology to that of the USA. The intent was to encourage discussion regarding Canada's approach to defining metropolitan areas in the effort to identify the 'guiding principles'. It is being made available as a working paper to continue this discussion and to provide background to the user community to encourage dialogue and commentary from the user community regarding Canada's metropolitan area methodology.
Release date: 2008-02-20
53. How Postal Codes Map to Geographic Areas Archived
Articles and reports: 92F0138M2007001
Description:
Statistics Canada creates files that provide the link between postal codes and the geographic areas by which it disseminates statistical data. By linking postal codes to the Statistics Canada geographic areas, Statistics Canada facilitates the extraction and subsequent aggregation of data for selected geographic areas from files available to users. Users can then take data from Statistics Canada for their areas and tabulate this with other data for these same areas to create a combined statistical profile for these areas.
An issue has been the methodology used by Statistics Canada to establish the linkage of postal codes to geographic areas. In order to address this issue, Statistics Canada decided to create a conceptual framework on which to base the rules for linking postal codes and Statistics Canada's geographic areas. This working paper presents the conceptual framework and the geocoding rules. The methodology described in this paper will be the basis for linking postal codes to the 2006 Census geographic areas. This paper is presented for feedback from users of Statistics Canada's postal codes related products.
Release date: 2007-02-12
54. A nonresponse model approach to inference under imputation for missing survey data Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X20060019257
Description:
In the presence of item nonreponse, two approaches have been traditionally used to make inference on parameters of interest. The first approach assumes uniform response within imputation cells whereas the second approach assumes ignorable response but make use of a model on the variable of interest as the basis for inference. In this paper, we propose a third appoach that assumes a specified ignorable response mechanism without having to specify a model on the variable of interest. In this case, we show how to obtain imputed values which lead to estimators of a total that are approximately unbiased under the proposed approach as well as the second approach. Variance estimators of the imputed estimators that are approximately unbiased are also obtained using an approach of Fay (1991) in which the order of sampling and response is reversed. Finally, simulation studies are conducted to investigate the finite sample performance of the methods in terms of bias and mean square error.
Release date: 2006-07-20
55. The growing importance of the service industries: The need for sub-annual indicators (IV-B) Archived
Articles and reports: 11F0024M20050008805
Description:
This paper reports on the potential development of sub-annual indicators for selected service industries using Goods and Services Tax (GST) data. The services sector is now of central importance to advanced economies; however, our knowledge of this sector remains incomplete, partly due to a lack of data. The Voorburg Group on Service Statistics has been meeting for almost twenty years to develop and incorporate better measures for the services sector. Despite this effort, many sub-annual economic measures continue to rely on output data for the goods-producing sector and, with the exception of distributive trades, on employment data for service industries.
The development of sub-annual indicators for service industries raises two questions regarding the national statistical program. First, is there a need for service output indicators to supplement existing sub-annual measures? And second, what service industries are the most promising for development? The paper begins by reviewing the importance of service industries and how they behave during economic downturns. Next, it examines considerations in determining which service industries to select as GST-based, sub-annual indicators. A case study of the accommodation services industry serves to illustrate improving timeliness and accuracy. We conclude by discussing the opportunities for, and limitations of, these indicators.
Release date: 2005-10-20
56. Comparing a rate in a subpopulation to the rate in the full population: How it may be done when using survey data, and available software tools Archived
Articles and reports: 12-002-X20050018030
Description:
People often wish to use survey micro-data to study whether the rate of occurrence of a particular condition in a subpopulation is the same as the rate of occurrence in the full population. This paper describes some alternatives for making inferences about such a rate difference and shows whether and how these alternatives may be implemented in three different survey software packages. The software packages illustrated - SUDAAN, WesVar and Bootvar - all can make use of bootstrap weights provided by the analyst to carry out variance estimation.
Release date: 2005-06-23
57. Penalized spline nonparametric mixed models for inference about a finite population mean from two-stage samples Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X20040027753
Description:
Samplers often distrust model-based approaches to survey inference because of concerns about misspecification when models are applied to large samples from complex populations. We suggest that the model-based paradigm can work very successfully in survey settings, provided models are chosen that take into account the sample design and avoid strong parametric assumptions. The Horvitz-Thompson (HT) estimator is a simple design-unbiased estimator of the finite population total. From a modeling perspective, the HT estimator performs well when the ratios of the outcome values and the inclusion probabilities are exchangeable. When this assumption is not met, the HT estimator can be very inefficient. In Zheng and Little (2003, 2004) we used penalized splines (p-splines) to model smoothly - varying relationships between the outcome and the inclusion probabilities in one-stage probability proportional to size (PPS) samples. We showed that p spline model-based estimators are in general more efficient than the HT estimator, and can provide narrower confidence intervals with close to nominal confidence coverage. In this article, we extend this approach to two-stage sampling designs. We use a p-spline based mixed model that fits a nonparametric relationship between the primary sampling unit (PSU) means and a measure of PSU size, and incorporates random effects to model clustering. For variance estimation we consider the empirical Bayes model-based variance, the jackknife and balanced repeated replication (BRR) methods. Simulation studies on simulated data and samples drawn from public use microdata in the 1990 census demonstrate gains for the model-based p-spline estimator over the HT estimator and linear model-assisted estimators. Simulations also show the variance estimation methods yield confidence intervals with satisfactory confidence coverage. Interestingly, these gains can be seen for a common equal-probability design, where the first stage selection is PPS and the second stage selection probabilities are proportional to the inverse of the first stage inclusion probabilities, and the HT estimator leads to the unweighted mean. In situations that most favor the HT estimator, the model-based estimators have comparable efficiency.
Release date: 2005-02-03
58. Use of sparse-effect models to characterize bias-efficiency trade-offs in the analysis of complex survey data Archived
Articles and reports: 11-522-X20030017700
Description:
This paper suggests a useful framework for exploring the effects of moderate deviations from idealized conditions. It offers evaluation criteria for point estimators and interval estimators.
Release date: 2005-01-26
59. Inference for totals in cluster sampling under mean imputation for missing data Archived
Articles and reports: 11-522-X20030017722
Description:
This paper shows how to adapt design-based and model-based frameworks to the case of two-stage sampling.
Release date: 2005-01-26
60. Comparison of design-based and model-based methods in analyzing complex health survey data: A case study Archived
Articles and reports: 11-522-X20020016708
Description:
In this paper, we discuss the analysis of complex health survey data by using multivariate modelling techniques. Main interests are in various design-based and model-based methods that aim at accounting for the design complexities, including clustering, stratification and weighting. Methods covered include generalized linear modelling based on pseudo-likelihood and generalized estimating equations, linear mixed models estimated by restricted maximum likelihood, and hierarchical Bayes techniques using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. The methods will be compared empirically, using data from an extensive health interview and examination survey conducted in Finland in 2000 (Health 2000 Study).
The data of the Health 2000 Study were collected using personal interviews, questionnaires and clinical examinations. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling design was used in the survey. The sampling design involved positive intra-cluster correlation for many study variables. For a closer investigation, we selected a small number of study variables from the health interview and health examination phases. In many cases, the different methods produced similar numerical results and supported similar statistical conclusions. Methods that failed to account for the design complexities sometimes led to conflicting conclusions. We also discuss the application of the methods in this paper by using standard statistical software products.
Release date: 2004-09-13

Reference (8)

Reference (8) ((8 results))

1. The Potential Use of Remote Sensing to Produce Field Crop Statistics at Statistics Canada Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 11-522-X201300014259
Description:
In an effort to reduce response burden on farm operators, Statistics Canada is studying alternative approaches to telephone surveys for producing field crop estimates. One option is to publish harvested area and yield estimates in September as is currently done, but to calculate them using models based on satellite and weather data, and data from the July telephone survey. However before adopting such an approach, a method must be found which produces estimates with a sufficient level of accuracy. Research is taking place to investigate different possibilities. Initial research results and issues to consider are discussed in this paper.
Release date: 2014-10-31
2. A note on identifiers in the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 12-002-X20040027035
Description:
As part of the processing of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) cycle 4 data, historical revisions have been made to the data of the first 3 cycles, either to correct errors or to update the data. During processing, particular attention was given to the PERSRUK (Person Identifier) and the FIELDRUK (Household Identifier). The same level of attention has not been given to the other identifiers that are included in the data base, the CHILDID (Person identifier) and the _IDHD01 (Household identifier). These identifiers have been created for the public files and can also be found in the master files by default. The PERSRUK should be used to link records between files and the FIELDRUK to determine the household when using the master files.
Release date: 2004-10-05
3. Survey of Financial Security - Methodology for Estimating the Value of Employer Pension Plan Benefits Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 13F0026M2001003
Description:
Initial results from the Survey of Financial Security (SFS), which provides information on the net worth of Canadians, were released on March 15 2001, in The daily. The survey collected information on the value of the financial and non-financial assets owned by each family unit and on the amount of their debt.
Statistics Canada is currently refining this initial estimate of net worth by adding to it an estimate of the value of benefits accrued in employer pension plans. This is an important addition to any asset and debt survey as, for many family units, it is likely to be one of the largest assets. With the aging of the population, information on pension accumulations is greatly needed to better understand the financial situation of those nearing retirement. These updated estimates of the Survey of Financial Security will be released in late fall 2001.
The process for estimating the value of employer pension plan benefits is a complex one. This document describes the methodology for estimating that value, for the following groups: a) persons who belonged to an RPP at the time of the survey (referred to as current plan members); b) persons who had previously belonged to an RPP and either left the money in the plan or transferred it to a new plan; c) persons who are receiving RPP benefits.
This methodology was proposed by Hubert Frenken and Michael Cohen. The former has many years of experience with Statistics Canada working with data on employer pension plans; the latter is a principal with the actuarial consulting firm William M. Mercer. Earlier this year, Statistics Canada carried out a public consultation on the proposed methodology. This report includes updates made as a result of feedback received from data users.
Release date: 2001-09-05
4. Survey of Financial Security - Estimating the Value of Employer Pension Plan Benefits - A Discussion Paper Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 13F0026M2001002
Description:
The Survey of Financial Security (SFS) will provide information on the net worth of Canadians. In order to do this, information was collected - in May and June 1999 - on the value of the assets and debts of each of the families or unattached individuals in the sample. The value of one particular asset is not easy to determine, or to estimate. That is the present value of the amount people have accrued in their employer pension plan. These plans are often called registered pension plans (RPP), as they must be registered with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Although some RPP members receive estimates of the value of their accrued benefit, in most cases plan members would not know this amount. However, it is likely to be one of the largest assets for many family units. And, as the baby boomers approach retirement, information on their pension accumulations is much needed to better understand their financial readiness for this transition.
The intent of this paper is to: present, for discussion, a methodology for estimating the present value of employer pension plan benefits for the Survey of Financial Security; and to seek feedback on the proposed methodology. This document proposes a methodology for estimating the value of employer pension plan benefits for the following groups:a) persons who belonged to an RPP at the time of the survey (referred to as current plan members); b) persons who had previously belonged to an RPP and either left the money in the plan or transferred it to a new plan; c) persons who are receiving RPP benefits.
Release date: 2001-02-07
5. The challenges of using administrative data to support policy-relevant research: The example of the longitudinal immigration database (IMDB) Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 11-522-X19990015642
Description:
The Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB) links immigration and taxation administrative records into a comprehensive source of data on the labour market behaviour of the landed immigrant population in Canada. It covers the period 1980 to 1995 and will be updated annually starting with the 1996 tax year in 1999. Statistics Canada manages the database on behalf of a federal-provincial consortium led by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The IMDB was created specifically to respond to the need for detailed and reliable data on the performance and impact of immigration policies and programs. It is the only source of data at Statistics Canada that provides a direct link between immigration policy levers and the economic performance of immigrants. The paper will examine the issues related to the development of a longitudinal database combining administrative records to support policy-relevant research and analysis. Discussion will focus specifically on the methodological, conceptual, analytical and privacy issues involved in the creation and ongoing development of this database. The paper will also touch briefly on research findings, which illustrate the policy outcome links the IMDB allows policy-makers to investigate.
Release date: 2000-03-02
6. The U.S. manufacturing plant ownership change database: Research possibilities Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 11-522-X19990015650
Description:
The U.S. Manufacturing Plant Ownership Change Database (OCD) was constructed using plant-level data taken from the Census Bureau's Longitudinal Research Database (LRD). It contains data on all manufacturing plants that have experienced ownership change at least once during the period 1963-92. This paper reports the status of the OCD and discuss its research possibilities. For an empirical demonstration, data taken from the database are used to study the effects of ownership changes on plant closure.
Release date: 2000-03-02
7. Uncertainties in estimates of radon lung cancer risks Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 11-522-X19990015658
Description:
Radon, a naturally occurring gas found at some level in most homes, is an established risk factor for human lung cancer. The U.S. National Research Council (1999) has recently completed a comprehensive evaluation of the health risks of residential exposure to radon, and developed models for projecting radon lung cancer risks in the general population. This analysis suggests that radon may play a role in the etiology of 10-15% of all lung cancer cases in the United States, although these estimates are subject to considerable uncertainty. In this article, we present a partial analysis of uncertainty and variability in estimates of lung cancer risk due to residential exposure to radon in the United States using a general framework for the analysis of uncertainty and variability that we have developed previously. Specifically, we focus on estimates of the age-specific excess relative risk (ERR) and lifetime relative risk (LRR), both of which vary substantially among individuals.
Release date: 2000-03-02
8. A Comparison of Census Geographic Areas of Canada and the United States Archived
Geographic files and documentation: 92F0138M1993001
Geography: Canada
Description:
The Geography Divisions of Statistics Canada and the U.S. Bureau of the Census have commenced a cooperative research program in order to foster an improved and expanded perspective on geographic areas and their relevance. One of the major objectives is to determine a common geographic area to form a geostatistical basis for cross-border research, analysis and mapping.
This report, which represents the first stage of the research, provides a list of comparable pairs of Canadian and U.S. standard geographic areas based on current definitions. Statistics Canada and the U.S. Bureau of the Census have two basic types of standard geographic entities: legislative/administrative areas (called "legal" entities in the U.S.) and statistical areas.
The preliminary pairing of geographic areas are based on face-value definitions only. The definitions are based on the June 4, 1991 Census of Population and Housing for Canada and the April 1, 1990 Census of Population and Housing for the U.S.A. The important aspect is the overall conceptual comparability, not the precise numerical thresholds used for delineating the areas.
Data users should use this report as a general guide to compare the census geographic areas of Canada and the United States, and should be aware that differences in settlement patterns and population levels preclude a precise one-to-one relationship between conceptually similar areas. The geographic areas compared in this report provide a framework for further empirical research and analysis.
Release date: 1999-03-05

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