Survey Methodology
Maximum entropy classification for record linkage

by Danhyang Lee, Li-Chun Zhang and Jae Kwang KimNote 1

  • Release date: June 21, 2022
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Abstract

By record linkage one joins records residing in separate files which are believed to be related to the same entity. In this paper we approach record linkage as a classification problem, and adapt the maximum entropy classification method in machine learning to record linkage, both in the supervised and unsupervised settings of machine learning. The set of links will be chosen according to the associated uncertainty. On the one hand, our framework overcomes some persistent theoretical flaws of the classical approach pioneered by Fellegi and Sunter (1969); on the other hand, the proposed algorithm is fully automatic, unlike the classical approach that generally requires clerical review to resolve the undecided cases.

Key Words: Probabilistic linkage; Density ratio; False link; Missing match; Survey sampling.

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How to cite

Lee, D., Zhang, L.-C. and Kim, J.K. (2022). Maximum entropy classification for record linkage. Survey Methodology, Statistics Canada, Catalogue No. 12-001-X, Vol. 48, No. 1. Paper available at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/12-001-x/2022001/article/00007-eng.htm.

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ISSN : 1492-0921

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Survey Methodology publishes articles dealing with various aspects of statistical development relevant to a statistical agency, such as design issues in the context of practical constraints, use of different data sources and collection techniques, total survey error, survey evaluation, research in survey methodology, time series analysis, seasonal adjustment, demographic studies, data integration, estimation and data analysis methods, and general survey systems development. The emphasis is placed on the development and evaluation of specific methodologies as applied to data collection or the data themselves. All papers will be refereed. However, the authors retain full responsibility for the contents of their papers and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board or of Statistics Canada.

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Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2022

Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

Catalogue No. 12-001-X

Frequency: Semi-annual

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Table of contents

Abstract - Article main page
Section 1. Introduction
Section 2. Problems with the classical approach
Section 3. Maximum entropy classification: Supervised
Section 4. MEC for unsupervised record linkage
Section 5. Discussion
Section 6. Simulation study
Section 7. Final remarks
Acknowledgements
Supplementary material
References

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