Horvitz-Thompson estimation with randomized response and nonresponse

Abstract

We consider the nonstandard situation where the randomized response theory is applied in a nonresponse set-up. The customary Horvitz-Thompson estimator for the population total of a sensitive variable is adjusted to take into account missing data, true response and randomized response, and the expression of its variance and the corresponding estimator provided. Finally, a numerical study is carried out to investigate how the estimation process can be affected by scrambled responses and how possible improvements in respondent cooperation can compensate for certain levels of nonresponse.