Overview of three field methods for improving coverage of address-based samples for in-person interviews

Abstract

Address frames based largely on United States Postal Service lists can have shortcomings for in-person surveys in areas with non-locatable addresses. To give every housing unit a known, nonzero probability of selection, field methods may be implemented to improve frame coverage. Three coverage improvement methods currently in use in the survey research industry are compared—Enhanced Listing, Check for Housing Units Missed (CHUM), and Address Coverage Enhancement (ACE)—so that the reader may understand their similarities and differences. Such a comparison is useful for research practitioners and survey designers who need to consider nuances in frame construction methods that weigh cost, effectiveness, and ease of implementation.