Matching and Record Linkage
William E. Winkler
ABSTRACT
Record linkage is used in creating a frame, removing duplicates from files, or combining files
so that relationships on two or more data elements from separate files can be studied. Much of
the record linkage work in the past has been manual or via elementary but ad hoc rules. The
report provides an overview of matching techniques that are based on formal mathematical
models subject to testing via statistical and other accepted methods. The examples relate to
business applications. Extensive references are provided. This report will appear in the book,
"Survey Methods for Businesses, Farms, and Institutions" that will be published by Wiley-
Interscience in 1994.
