Eric R Buhi1, Patricia Goodson, Torsten B Neilands. 1. Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa 33612, FL, USA. ebuhi@health.usf.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe and illustrate missing data mechanisms (MCAR, MAR, NMAR) and missing data techniques (MDTs) and offer recommended best practices for addressing missingness. METHOD: We simulated data sets and employed ad hoc MDTs (deletion techniques, mean substitution) and sophisticated MDTs (full information maximum likelihood, Bayesian estimation, multiple imputation) in linear regression analyses. RESULTS: MCAR data yielded unbiased parameter estimates across all MDTs, but loss of power with deletion methods. NMAR results were biased towards larger values and greater significance. Under MAR the sophisticated MDTs returned estimates closer to their original values. CONCLUSION: State-of-the-art, readily available MDTs outperform ad hoc techniques.
OBJECTIVE: To describe and illustrate missing data mechanisms (MCAR, MAR, NMAR) and missing data techniques (MDTs) and offer recommended best practices for addressing missingness. METHOD: We simulated data sets and employed ad hoc MDTs (deletion techniques, mean substitution) and sophisticated MDTs (full information maximum likelihood, Bayesian estimation, multiple imputation) in linear regression analyses. RESULTS: MCAR data yielded unbiased parameter estimates across all MDTs, but loss of power with deletion methods. NMAR results were biased towards larger values and greater significance. Under MAR the sophisticated MDTs returned estimates closer to their original values. CONCLUSION: State-of-the-art, readily available MDTs outperform ad hoc techniques.
Authors: Scott C Brown; Shi Huang; Tatiana Perrino; Priyanka Surio; Raquel Borges-Garcia; Kathryn Flavin; C Hendricks Brown; Hilda Pantin; José Szapocznik Journal: J Aging Health Date: 2011-09-01
Authors: Christopher W Wheldon; Ellen M Daley; Eric R Walsh-Buhi; Julie A Baldwin; Alan G Nyitray; Anna R Giuliano Journal: Am J Mens Health Date: 2016-06-06