Journal article
Optimal recall length in survey design
PM Clarke, DG Fiebig, UG Gerdtham
Journal of Health Economics | Published : 2008
Abstract
Self-reported data collected via surveys are a key input into a wide range of research conducted by economists. It is well known that such data are subject to measurement error that arises when respondents are asked to recall past utilisation. Survey designers must determine the length of the recall period and face a trade-off as increasing the recall period provides more information, but increases the likelihood of recall error. A statistical framework is used to explore this trade-off. Finally we illustrate how optimal recall periods can be estimated using hospital use data from Sweden's Survey of Living Conditions. © 2008.
Grants
Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Acknowledgements
This research was partially supported by: National Health and Medical Research Council through a Program Grant No. 254202 (Prof. Fiebig). Other funding was from the Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research (2002-0376) and Swedish National Institute of Public Health for Prof Gerdtham. Dr. Clarke also received funds through a Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research Visiting Fellowship. Comments of three referees and participants at the 2005 Australian Health Economics Society Conference held in Auckland, especially those by Jim Butler, are gratefully acknowledged.