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Use of Dependent Interviewing Procedures to Improve Data Quality in the Measurement of Change
Use of Dependent Interviewing Procedures to Improve Data Quality in the Measurement of Change
RSM2006-02
Introduction
This chapter examines the impact of dependent interviewing procedures on “seam bias,” a form of measurement error peculiar to longitudinal surveys. “Seam bias” refers to the tendency for estimates of change measured across the “seam” between two successive survey administrations to far exceed change estimates measured within a single interview. Except in very special circumstances, the presence of seam bias is a clear signal of measurement error. Much research over the past two decades has documented the existence of seam bias in longitudinal surveys, and has also shed light on the essential nature of the phenomenon – too little reporting of change within the reference period of a single interview, and too much reporting of change at the seam. Attempts to control seam bias have met with some success, but have been limited primarily to employment-related characteristics.
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