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Abstract Model-based small area estimation is frequently used in conjunction with survey data to establish estimates for under-sampled or unsampled geographies. These models can be specified at either the area-level, or the unit-level, but unit-level models often offer potential advantages such as more precise estimates and easy spatial aggregation. Nevertheless, relative to area-level models, literature on unit-level models is less prevalent. In modeling small areas at the unit level, challenges often arise as a consequence of the informative sampling mechanism used to collect the survey data. This article provides a comprehensive methodological review for unit-level models under informative sampling, with an emphasis on Bayesian approaches.
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Comparison of Unit-Level Small Area Estimation Modeling Approaches for Survey Data Under Informative Sampling
Abstract Unit-level modeling strategies offer many advantages relative to the area-level models that are most often used in the context of small area estimation. For example, unit-level models aggregate naturally, allowing for estimates at any desired resolution, and also offer greater precision in many cases. We compare a variety of the methods available in the literature related to unit-level modeling for small area estimation. Specifically, to provide insight into the differences between methods, we conduct a simulation study that compares several of the general approaches. In addition, the methods used for simulation are further illustrated through an application to the American Community Survey.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2215169
- PAR ID:
- 10447839
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology
- ISSN:
- 2325-0984
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1093/jssam/smad022
