New research published in the International Statistical Review highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring the accuracy of survey results due to nonresponse in a relatively simple situation. The article, “Non-Response Insights With Binary Variable,” coauthored by J. Michael Brick, PhD, Westat Senior Vice President, Statistics and Data Science, examines how nonresponse—when individuals choose not to participate—can introduce bias that affects the reliability of survey estimates.
The study shows that while increasing response rates and weighting adjustments may help, they only partially address the issue. Even approaches such as modifying margins of error may underestimate the true level of uncertainty. These findings emphasize the importance of developing new methods to strengthen the accuracy and credibility of survey-based research.