Statistical Standards Program
Table of Contents Introduction 1. Development of Concepts and Methods 2. Planning and Design of Surveys 2-1 Design of Surveys 2-2 Survey Response Rate Parameters 2-3 Developing RFPs for Surveys 2-4 Pretesting Survey Systems 2-5 Maintaining Data Series Over Time 2-6 Educational Testing 3. Collection of Data 4. Processing and Editing of Data 5. Analysis of Data / Production of Estimates or Projections 6. Establishment of Review Procedures 7. Dissemination of Data Glossary Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Download PDF (448KB) For help viewing PDF files, please click here |
PLANNING AND DESIGN OF SURVEYS | ||||||||||
SUBJECT: SURVEY RESPONSE RATE PARAMETERS NCES STANDARD: 2-2 PURPOSE: To specify design parameters for survey response rates. High survey response rates help to ensure that survey results are representative of the target population. Surveys conducted by or for NCES must be designed and executed to meet the highest practical rates of response. To ensure that nonresponse bias analyses are conducted when response rates suggest the potential for bias to occur. KEY TERMS: assessment, cross-sectional, key variables, longitudinal, nonresponse bias, response rates, stage of data collection, substitution, target population, and universe.
GUIDELINE 2-2-1A: A unit level nonresponse bias analysis is recommended in the case where the universe survey unit response rate is less than 90 percent. (See Standard 4-4 for a discussion of nonresponse bias analysis.)
GUIDELINE 2-2-2A: The following parameters summarize current NCES historical experiences: Stage-Specific Design Response Rates by Type of Survey
In longitudinal sample surveys, item nonresponse bias analyses need only be done once for any individual item, unless there is a substantial deterioration in the item response rate.
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