Population aggregates from administrative data samples–how good are they?

Abstract

Abstract Researchers regularly use administrative micro-data samples to approximate subgroup aggregates from the full population. In this paper, I argue that the most commonly used method to do this is often not optimal. I outline some alternatives and compare their relative performance in selected cases. I also discuss the effect of statistical disclosure control on the aggregated data and how researchers can reduce bias resulting from censoring.

Keywords

• SIAB
• BHP
• Microdata
• Aggregation
• Statistical Disclosure Control