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Richard Valliant, Ph.D.

This course will cover the steps used in weighting sample surveys, including methods for adjusting for nonresponse and using data external to the survey for calibration. Among the techniques discussed are adjustments using estimated response propensities, poststratification, raking, and general regression estimation. Alternative techniques for imputing values for missing items will be discussed. For both weighting and imputation, the capabilities of different statistical software packages will be covered, including R®, Stata®, and SAS®.

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What's inside

Syllabus

General Steps in Weighting
Weights are used to expand a sample to a population. To accomplish this, the weights may correct for coverage errors in the sampling frame, adjust for nonresponse, and reduce variances of estimators by incorporating covariates. The series of steps needed to do this are covered in Module 1.
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Specific Steps
Specific steps in weighting include computing base weights, adjusting if there are cases whose eligibility we are unsure of, adjusting for nonresponse, and using covariates to calibrate the sample to external population controls. We flesh out the general steps with specific details here.
Implementing the Steps
Software is critical to implementing the steps, but the R system is an excellent source of free routines. This module covers several R packages, including sampling, survey, and PracTools that will select samples and compute weights.
Imputing for Missing Items
In most surveys there will be items for which respondents do not provide information, even though the respondent completed enough of the data collection instrument to be considered "complete". If only the cases with all items present are retained when fitting a model, quite a few cases may be excluded from the analysis. Imputing for the missing items avoids dropping the missing cases. We cover methods of doing the imputing and of reflecting the effects of imputations on standard errors in this module.
Summary of Course 5
We briefly summarize the methods of weighting and imputation that were covered in Course 5.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines modern techniques for weighting sample surveys, which is standard in this field
Suitable for individuals working with sampling and data collection
Teaches methods that are relevant to various stakeholders
Offers a comprehensive understanding of this topic
Implements R packages for practical examples
May require prerequisites in statistics

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Reviews summary

Mixed reviews: missing data course

Learners say this course on dealing with missing data has good materials and informative lectures. However, some learners found the content lacking and the instructor difficult to follow. Overall, the reviews are mixed.
Materials are good
"Very useful and informative!"
"The materials do not helful for anwering the quizes."
"I found it hard to follow this course and didn't find the instructor very engaging for some reason."
Instructor is difficult to follow
"The professor mostly recites what he knows, but he is not trying his best to explain new concepts to students."
"Explanations should be more thorough, finding different ways to explain things, not just putting a slide and repeating."
"I agree with the other reviewers. This course was terrible. Unlike other professors who have taught courses in the survey specialization, Professor Valliant made no attempt to explain the concepts in a way that would be comprehensible to an educated layperson."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Dealing With Missing Data with these activities:
Read 'Sampling: Design and Analysis' by Cochrane
Cochrane's book provides a comprehensive overview of sampling theory and techniques.
Show steps
  • Read and understand the concepts of probability sampling
  • Learn about different sampling methods and their applications
  • Review methods for estimating population parameters from sample data
Review mathematics
Review fundamental mathematical concepts to lay a strong foundation for understanding weighting and imputation techniques.
Browse courses on Linear Algebra
Show steps
  • Revisit basic algebra concepts, such as vectors and matrices.
  • Practice solving linear equations and systems of equations.
  • Review differentiation and integration techniques in calculus.
  • Refresh your knowledge of probability and statistics, including concepts like mean, variance, and sampling distributions.
Review statistics
Reviewing statistics will help you refresh your knowledge and prepare for the course's quantitative aspects.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Review probability concepts (e.g., conditional probability, Bayes' theorem)
  • Revisit statistical inference (e.g., hypothesis testing, confidence intervals)
  • Brush up on regression analysis and model fitting
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Write a blog post on survey weighting
Writing a blog post will help you synthesize your knowledge and explain weighting concepts to a broader audience.
Browse courses on Weighting
Show steps
  • Choose a specific weighting topic to focus on
  • Research and gather relevant information
  • Write a clear and concise post that explains the concept
  • Publish the post on a relevant platform
Explore R packages for weighting and imputation
Become familiar with the capabilities of R packages for implementing weighting and imputation techniques.
Browse courses on R
Show steps
  • Install and load necessary R packages, such as sampling, survey, and PracTools.
  • Follow tutorials on using these packages for basic weighting and imputation tasks.
  • Experiment with different weighting and imputation methods using sample datasets.
Attend office hours
Attending office hours provides an opportunity to ask questions and clarify concepts with the instructor.
Show steps
  • Attend office hours regularly
  • Bring specific questions or areas where you need clarification
  • Engage in active discussions and ask follow-up questions
Design a survey instrument
Designing a survey instrument will provide practical experience in planning and executing a survey.
Browse courses on Survey Design
Show steps
  • Identify the research objectives and target population
  • Develop survey questions that are clear, concise, and unbiased
  • Determine the appropriate sample size and sampling method
  • Pretest the survey instrument and make necessary revisions
Discuss weighting and imputation challenges
Engage with peers to discuss real-world challenges and share insights on weighting and imputation techniques.
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  • Join or form a study group with other course participants.
  • Identify common challenges encountered in weighting and imputation.
  • Share experiences and strategies for overcoming these challenges.
  • Provide feedback and support to group members.
Solve weighting and imputation practice problems
Reinforce knowledge and develop problem-solving skills in weighting and imputation through practice.
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  • Access practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or the course materials.
  • Solve problems independently, focusing on applying the correct techniques and formulas.
  • Check your solutions against provided answer keys or consult with the instructor or peers for feedback.
Write a research proposal
Writing a research proposal will help you develop a clear and concise plan for your survey project.
Browse courses on Research Proposal
Show steps
  • State the research problem and objectives
  • Review the literature and develop a theoretical framework
  • Describe the research design and methodology
  • Discuss the expected outcomes and implications
Summarize weighting and imputation techniques
Reinforce understanding by summarizing key concepts and techniques related to weighting and imputation.
Show steps
  • Create a table summarizing different weighting methods, including formulas and examples.
  • Write a short essay describing imputation methods for missing data, discussing advantages and disadvantages.
  • Record a video explaining a specific weighting or imputation technique in detail.
Solve weighting and imputation problems
Solving weighting and imputation problems will help you develop practical skills in these essential survey techniques.
Browse courses on Weighting
Show steps
  • Calculate weights to adjust for nonresponse and coverage errors
  • Use different imputation methods to handle missing data
  • Assess the impact of weighting and imputation on survey estimates
Contribute to 'survey' package in R
Contributing to the 'survey' package will provide hands-on experience in survey data analysis using R.
Browse courses on R Programming
Show steps
  • Install the 'survey' package
  • Explore the package documentation and tutorials
  • Identify an area where you can contribute
  • Make a pull request with your proposed changes

Career center

Learners who complete Dealing With Missing Data will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Health Services Researcher
Health Services Researchers study the organization, financing, and delivery of health care services. They may use data from a variety of sources, including surveys, claims data, and medical records. This course would be helpful for Health Services Researchers because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to make recommendations based on their findings.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers build and deploy machine learning models to solve problems and make better decisions. They may work with data from a variety of sources, including surveys, experiments, and social media. This course would be helpful for Machine Learning Engineers because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and deploy machine learning models.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use data to help businesses make better decisions. They may work with data from surveys, experiments, or other sources to identify trends and patterns. This course would be helpful for Operations Research Analysts because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to make recommendations based on their findings.
Statistician
Statisticians use data to solve problems and make better decisions. They may work with data from a variety of sources, including surveys, experiments, and social media. This course would be helpful for Statisticians because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to make recommendations based on their findings.
Survey Researcher
Survey Researchers design and conduct surveys to collect data on a variety of topics. They may work with data from surveys to identify trends and patterns, and to make recommendations. This course would be helpful for Survey Researchers because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to design and conduct surveys, and to analyze data.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make better decisions. They may work with data from a variety of sources, including surveys, experiments, and social media. This course would be helpful for Data Scientists because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to make recommendations based on their findings.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts use data to solve problems and make better decisions. They may work with data from a variety of sources, including surveys, experiments, and social media. This course would be helpful for Data Analysts because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to make recommendations based on their findings.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems. This course would be helpful for Epidemiologists because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to make recommendations based on their findings.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts use data to inform policy decisions. They may work with data from a variety of sources, including surveys, economic data, and social media. This course would be helpful for Policy Analysts because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to make recommendations based on their findings.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians use data to solve problems in the field of medicine. They may work with data from clinical trials, observational studies, and other sources to identify trends and patterns. This course would be helpful for Biostatisticians because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to make recommendations based on their findings.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers study consumer behavior and preferences. They may use data from surveys, focus groups, and other sources to identify trends and patterns. This course would be helpful for Market Researchers because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to make recommendations based on their findings.
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analysts use data to improve the health of populations. They may work with data from a variety of sources, including surveys, vital records, and social media. This course would be helpful for Public Health Analysts because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to make recommendations based on their findings.
Quantitative Researcher
Quantitative Researchers use data to answer research questions. They may work with data from a variety of sources, including surveys, experiments, and social media. This course would be helpful for Quantitative Researchers because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to make recommendations based on their findings.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They may work with data from a variety of sources, including surveys, experiments, and social media. This course may be helpful for Software Engineers because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to build software applications.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists design, develop, and maintain computer systems. They may work with data from a variety of sources, including surveys, experiments, and social media. This course may be helpful for Computer Scientists because it would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to collect and analyze data, and to design and develop computer systems.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Dealing With Missing Data.
Offers a detailed and comprehensive presentation of sampling techniques, with a particular emphasis on practical applications.
Offers a comprehensive overview of statistical methods for analyzing survey data, including the handling of missing data and the evaluation of survey error.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of survey research methods and techniques, covering a wide range of topics, including sampling, data collection, and analysis.
Focuses specifically on the topic of missing data in longitudinal studies, providing advanced techniques for Bayesian imputation.
Offers a comprehensive examination of nonresponse in social science surveys, discussing the causes and consequences of nonresponse and providing strategies for addressing it.
Provides a foundational overview of survey sampling concepts and methods, suitable for students or individuals new to the field.
Offers a comprehensive treatment of sampling theory, covering both basic and advanced topics, including cluster sampling and adaptive sampling.
Covers a wide range of topics in survey sampling, including sampling design, estimation, and analysis, with an emphasis on practical applications.

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