Nonresponse and Measurement Error

Survey researchers aim to minimize the effect of multiple sources of survey error, but they may not be independent; in fact, they may have common causes. In a new article (Peytchev, Peytcheva, and Groves, 2010) we explore the possibility that topic-related social stigma may cause both underreporting of abortion experiences and failure to obtain interviews altogether. In addition to finding support for such a relationship between unit nonresponse and measurement error through a common cause, we also find an indication for possible remedies - finding survey protocols that reduce the relationship between error sources.