Survey Methodology
Combining data from surveys and related sources

by Dexter Cahoy and Joseph SedranskNote 1

  • Release date: June 30, 2023
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Abstract

To improve the precision of inferences and reduce costs there is considerable interest in combining data from several sources such as sample surveys and administrative data. Appropriate methodology is required to ensure satisfactory inferences since the target populations and methods for acquiring data may be quite different. To provide improved inferences we use methodology that has a more general structure than the ones in current practice. We start with the case where the analyst has only summary statistics from each of the sources. In our primary method, uncertain pooling, it is assumed that the analyst can regard one source, survey r, as the single best choice for inference. This method starts with the data from survey r and adds data from those other sources that are shown to form clusters that include survey r. We also consider Dirichlet process mixtures, one of the most popular nonparametric Bayesian methods. We use analytical expressions and the results from numerical studies to show properties of the methodology.

Key Words: Administrative data; Bayesian methods; Clustering; Dirichlet process mixture; Pooling data; Survey sampling.

Table of contents

How to cite

Cahoy, D., and Sedransk, J. (2023). Combining data from surveys and related sources. Survey Methodology, Statistics Canada, Catalogue No. 12-001-X, Vol. 49, No. 1. Paper available at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/12-001-x/2023001/article/00003-eng.htm.

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ISSN : 1492-0921

Editorial policy

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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Survey Methodology is published twice a year in electronic format. Authors are invited to submit their articles in English or French in electronic form, preferably in Word to the Editor, (statcan.smj-rte.statcan@canada.ca, Statistics Canada, 150 Tunney’s Pasture Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0T6). For formatting instructions, please see the guidelines provided in the journal and on the web site (www.statcan.gc.ca/SurveyMethodology).

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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, 2023

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

Catalogue No. 12-001-X

Frequency: Semi-annual

Ottawa

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