Purpose:
To evaluate the impact of using
PRD on the response process during data collection and recommend
guidelines
for its use to increase data quality.
For many ongoing survey programs, NASS will have data
from previous contactswith an agricutural operations available. To
date,
NASS makes minimal use of this previoulsy reported data (PRD) during
subsequent
contacts.
The objective of using PRD during data
collection is to
increase accuracy of currently reported data. It also has the potential
to reduce the reporting burden for respondents. Previous studies have
indicated
that PRD can increase data accuracy but also that it can prompt
systematic
errors in reporting. PRD is currently being used for only a few
selected
items in NASS survey interviews. With the increased use of computer
assisted
data collection and accessibility of PRD, via the data warehouse, the
number
of its potential uses is increasing. However, we do not always know how
PRD affects the reporting process, and more critically, how it affects
the quality of reported data and ultimately, survey estimates.
The goal of this
project will be to provide the Agency
with more information and guidance on when to use PRD and
recommendations
for how best to incorporate it into the interview process.
