Survey Methodology
A generalization of inverse probability weighting

by Alain ThébergeNote 1

  • Release date: June 21, 2022
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Abstract

In finite population estimation, the inverse probability or Horvitz-Thompson estimator is a basic tool. Even when auxiliary information is available to model the variable of interest, it is still used to estimate the model error. Here, the inverse probability estimator is generalized by introducing a positive definite matrix. The usual inverse probability estimator is a special case of the generalized estimator, where the positive definite matrix is the identity matrix. Since calibration estimation seeks weights that are close to the inverse probability weights, it too can be generalized by seeking weights that are close to those of the generalized inverse probability estimator. Calibration is known to be optimal, in the sense that it asymptotically attains the Godambe-Joshi lower bound. That lower bound has been derived under a model where no correlation is present. This too, can be generalized to allow for correlation. With the correct choice of the positive definite matrix that generalizes the calibration estimators, this generalized lower bound can be asymptotically attained. There is often no closed-form formula for the generalized estimators. However, simple explicit examples are given here to illustrate how the generalized estimators take advantage of the correlation. This simplicity is achieved here, by assuming a correlation of one between some population units. Those simple estimators can still be useful, even if the correlation is smaller than one. Simulation results are used to compare the generalized estimators to the ordinary estimators.

Key Words: Calibration estimator; Godambe-Joshi lower bound; Horvitz-Thompson estimator; Moore-Penrose inverse; Vaccination rate.

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How to cite

Théberge, A. (2022). A generalization of inverse probability weighting. Survey Methodology, Statistics Canada, Catalogue No. 12-001-X, Vol. 48, No. 1. Paper available at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/12-001-x/2022001/article/00009-eng.htm.

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ISSN : 1492-0921

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Survey Methodology publishes articles dealing with various aspects of statistical development relevant to a statistical agency, such as design issues in the context of practical constraints, use of different data sources and collection techniques, total survey error, survey evaluation, research in survey methodology, time series analysis, seasonal adjustment, demographic studies, data integration, estimation and data analysis methods, and general survey systems development. The emphasis is placed on the development and evaluation of specific methodologies as applied to data collection or the data themselves. All papers will be refereed. However, the authors retain full responsibility for the contents of their papers and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board or of Statistics Canada.

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Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2022

Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

Catalogue No. 12-001-X

Frequency: Semi-annual

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Table of contents

Abstract - Article main page
Section 1. Introduction
Section 2. The generalized inverse probability estimator
Section 3. The generalized calibration estimator
Section 4. The choice of the positive definite matrix Σ MathType@MTEF@5@5@+= feaagKart1ev2aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr 4rNCHbGeaGqiVv0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpC0xe9LqFHe9Lq pepeea0xd9q8as0=LqLs=Jirpepeea0=as0Fb9pgea0lrP0xe9Fve9 Fve9qapdbeqabeWacmGabiqabeqabmqabeabbaGcbaGaaC4Odaaa@39F1@
Section 5. The generalized Godambe-Joshi lower bound
Section 6. Examples
Section 7. Simulation results
Section 8. Summary
Acknowledgements
Appendix
References

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