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Author: Mauldon, Jane
Resulting in 1 citation.
1. Mauldon, Jane
How Well Do Retrospective Recalls Match Panel Reports?
Working Paper, Goldman School of Public. Policy, University of California - Berkeley, 1990
Cohort(s): NLSY79
Publisher: Goldman School of Public. Policy, University of California - Berkeley
Keyword(s): Data Quality/Consistency; Dropouts; High School Dropouts; Longitudinal Surveys; Research Methodology

Permission to reprint the abstract has not been received from the publisher.

This paper examines the accuracy and completeness of retrospective data by comparing retrospective reports with data gathered in repeated panel surveys from the same individuals. While the surveys considered here describe educational events, the discrepancies identified between panel and retrospective data are likely to occur in other types of surveys. The study reveals substantial differences in the reported frequency and timing of transitions in and out of school, depending on whether retrospective or the panel data are used. The author attributes most of these differences to forgetfulness: the results indicate that after five years, about one- half of the stopouts that occurred seem to be forgotten. A smaller proportion of the discrepancies arose from differences in wording or interpretation of the panel and retrospective survey questions. The findings sound a clear note of caution to researchers who routinely rely on retrospective reports. They also highlight some potential limitations of panel data.
Bibliography Citation
Mauldon, Jane. "How Well Do Retrospective Recalls Match Panel Reports?" Working Paper, Goldman School of Public. Policy, University of California - Berkeley, 1990.