<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> Classical Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) estimators are based on a Markov Process model in which sampling occurs with replacement. Given that respondents generally cannot be interviewed more than once, this assumption is counterfactual. We join recent work by Gile and Handcock in exploring the implications of the sampling-with-replacement assumption for bias of RDS estimators. We differ from previous studies in examining a wider range of sampling fractions and in using not only simulations but also formal proofs. One key finding is that RDS estimates are surprisingly stable even in the presence of substantial sampling fractions. Our analyses show that the sampling-with-replacement assumption is a minor contributor to bias for sampling fractions under 40%, and bias is negligible for the 20% or smaller sampling fractions typical of field applications of RDS.</p></abstract>

Classical Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) estimators are based on a Markov Process model in which sampling occurs with replacement. Given that respondents generally cannot be interviewed more than once, this assumption is counterfactual. We join recent work by Gile and Handcock in exploring the implications of the sampling-with-replacement assumption for bias of RDS estimators. We differ from previous studies in examining a wider range of sampling fractions and in using not only simulations but also formal proofs. One key finding is that RDS estimates are surprisingly stable even in the presence of substantial sampling fractions. Our analyses show that the sampling-with-replacement assumption is a minor contributor to bias for sampling fractions under 40%, and bias is negligible for the 20% or smaller sampling fractions typical of field applications of RDS.

Respondent-Driven Sampling – Testing Assumptions: Sampling with Replacement

Graphika Inc., 116 West 23rd Street, 5th Floor, New York NY 10011, U.S.A.

Cornell University – Sociology, 344 Uris Hall Ithaca, New York 14853, U.S.A.

Cornell University – Sociology, 344 Uris Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853, U.S.A.

Journal of Official Statistics

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

{"article-title":"Respondent-Driven Sampling \u2013 Testing Assumptions: Sampling with Replacement"}

Classical Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) estimators are based on a Markov Process model in which sampling occurs with replacement. Given that respondents...

Respondent-Driven Sampling – Testing Assumptions: Sampling with Replacement

Data publikacji: 10 mar 2016

Zakres stron: 29 - 73

Otrzymano: 01 sie 2014

Przyjęty: 01 wrz 2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/jos-2016-0002

Słowa kluczowe
Respondent-driven sampling, hidden populations, sampling with replacement

© by Douglas D. Heckathorn

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Respondent-Driven Sampling – Testing Assumptions: Sampling with Replacement

Data publikacji: 10 mar 2016

Zakres stron: 29 - 73

Otrzymano: 01 sie 2014

Przyjęty: 01 wrz 2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/jos-2016-0002

Słowa kluczoweRespondent-driven sampling, hidden populations, sampling with replacement

© by Douglas D. Heckathorn

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Słowa kluczowe
Respondent-driven sampling, hidden populations, sampling with replacement