Missing Data: Series: Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences

Sooner or later anyone who does statistical analysis runs into problems with missing data in which information for some variables is missing for some cases. Why is this a problem? Because most statistical methods presume that every case has information on all the variables to be included in the analysis. Using numerous examples and practical tips, this book offers a nontechnical explanation of the standard methods for missing data (such as listwise or casewise deletion) as well as two newer (and, better) methods, maximum likelihood and multiple imputation.Anyone who has been relying on ad-hoc methods that are statistically inefficient or biased will find this book a welcome and accessible solution to their problems with handling missing data.

 

 

Paul D. Allison is Professor of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches graduate methods and statistics. He is widely recognized as an extraordinarily effective teacher of statistical methods who can reach students with highly diverse backgrounds and expertise, and is the author of numerous books and journal articles. A former Guggenheim fellow, he is on the editorial boards of Sociological Methods and Research, American Journal of Sociology and Sociological Forum.