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Improving the Design of the Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System (SESTAT) (2003) / Chapter Skim
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Conclusions and Recommendations
Pages 26-30

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From page 26...
... Despite the committee's reservations about combining data from a 1990 panel and 2000 panel, we conclude that it would be valuable to try to learn more about the nonsampling errors that necessarily creep into the system as the original NSCG sample ages. In particular, information about relative biases for the 1999 and 2003 samples is important for purposes of looking at trends across the two decades.
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From page 27...
... using comparisons of the new and old panel estimates to generate hypotheses regarding the sources and causes of the nonsampling error that could then be explored in more detail using the special evaluation study methods noted above; and (2) using simple ratios of the estimates derived from the old and new samples in 2003 to adjust estimates from the old data series so that they can be compared with estimates from the new design.
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From page 28...
... Recommendation 5: SRS should conduct methodological research to evaluate the major sources of nonsampling errors, particularly nonresponse error, as well as methods for reducing their effects on the survey estimates.
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From page 29...
... PLANNING EXPANDED SRS ACTIVITIES AND GREATER INTERACTION WITH COLLEAGUES The committee commends the SRS for completing the weights pertaining to longitudinal data. Recommendation 8: SRS should encourage utilization of the longitudinal nature of the SESTAT data.
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From page 30...
... Recommendation 10: SRS should regularly monitor the quality of the SESTAT data and perform more in-house research to foster increased intellectual curiosity, deep knowledge of the SESTAT data, and datadriven re-design activities. To this end, SRS should develop a wellplanned agenda for subject matter analysis and for methodological research.
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