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Linking Federal Surveys with Administrative Data to Improve Research on Families

Author

Listed:
  • Amy O’Hara
  • Rachel M. Shattuck
  • Robert M. Goerge

Abstract

Linkage of federal, state, and local administrative records to survey data holds great promise for research on families, in particular research on low-income families. Researchers can use administrative records in conjunction with survey data to better measure family relationships and to capture the experiences of individuals and family members across multiple points in time and social and economic domains. Administrative data can be used to evaluate program participation in government social welfare programs, as well as to evaluate the accuracy of reporting on receipt of such benefits. Administrative records can also be used to enhance collection and accuracy of survey and census data and to improve coverage of hard-to-reach populations. This article discusses potential uses of linked administrative and survey data, gives an overview of the linking methodology and infrastructure (including limitations), and reviews social science literature that has used this method to date.

Suggested Citation

  • Amy O’Hara & Rachel M. Shattuck & Robert M. Goerge, 2017. "Linking Federal Surveys with Administrative Data to Improve Research on Families," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 669(1), pages 63-74, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:669:y:2017:i:1:p:63-74
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716216678391
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Newman, Constance & Scherpf, Erik, 2013. "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Access at the State and County Levels: Evidence From Texas SNAP Administrative Records and the American Community Survey," Economic Research Report 262218, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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    4. Bruce Meyer & Robert Goerge, 2011. "Errors in Survey Reporting and Imputation and Their Effects on Estimates of Food Stamp Program Participation," Working Papers 11-14, Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau.
    5. Scherpf, Erik & Newman, Constance & Prell, Mark, 2015. "Improving the Assessment of SNAP Targeting Using Administrative Records," Economic Research Report 206417, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    6. Adela Luque & Deborah Wagner, 2015. "Assessing Coverage and Quality of the 2007 Prototype Census Kidlink Database," CARRA Working Papers 2015-07, Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau.
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    8. Catherine G. Massey, 2014. "Creating Linked Historical Data: An Assessment of the Census Bureau’s Ability to Assign Protected Identification Keys to the 1960 Census," CARRA Working Papers 2014-12, Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau.
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