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Confidentiality-Preserving Modes of Access To Files and To Interfile Exchange for Useful Statistical Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Donald T. Campbell

    (Northwestern University)

  • Robert F. Boruch

    (Northwestern University)

  • Richard D. Schwartz

    (State University of New York, Buffalo)

  • Joseph Steinberg

    (Survey Design, Inc. Silver Springs, Maryland)

Abstract

In releasing individual data for statistical analysis by outsiders, deletion of direct personal identifiers is sometimes insufficient to preserve confidentiality. Restrictions on the release of data that is publicly listed elsewhere or error innoculation of these variables may be required. Microaggregated release is safe, but statistically costly. In-file capacity to run outsiders' analyses, with randomized rounding of frequency tallies, is best. Interfile linkage of confidential data in statistical analyses is of great potential value for program evaluation and can be achieved without the release of individually identified data from either file by the "mutually insulated file linkage"procedure described. Link file brokerage is unacceptable on confidentiality grounds, and microaggregation and synthetic linking by matching are unacceptable on statistical grounds. For both types of use, it would be beneficial for governmental program evaluation to fund internal statistical analysis capability in important administrative archives, including those in the private sector such as health and automobile insurance.

Suggested Citation

  • Donald T. Campbell & Robert F. Boruch & Richard D. Schwartz & Joseph Steinberg, 1977. "Confidentiality-Preserving Modes of Access To Files and To Interfile Exchange for Useful Statistical Analysis," Evaluation Review, , vol. 1(2), pages 269-300, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:1:y:1977:i:2:p:269-300
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X7700100203
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    6. Horst E. Alter, 1974. "Creation of a Synthetic Data Set by Linking Records of the Canadian Survey of Consumer Finances with the Family Expenditure Survey 1970," NBER Chapters, in: Annals of Economic and Social Measurement, Volume 3, number 2, pages 373-397, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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