Imputation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ECS-000922",
  "term": "Imputation",
  "field": "Economic statistics",
  "definitions": [
    "Process of filling in missing data in a survey by using statistical methods.\n\nNote: Most Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys collect multiple kinds of data from respondents. When respondents’ information is missing, not collected, or incomplete, BLS uses models to fill in missing items of data.",
    "The process used to estimate missing or misreported data.\n\nWhen information is missing or inconsistent, the Census Bureau uses a method called imputation to assign values. Imputation relies on the statistical principle of \"homogeneity,\" or the tendency of households within a small geographic area to be similar in most characteristics. For example, the value of \"rented\" is likely to be imputed for a housing unit not reported on owner/renter status in a neighborhood with multi-units or apartments where other respondents reported \"rented\" on the census questionnaire."
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "Allocation",
    "Substitution"
  ],
  "references": [
    "BLS Glossary",
    "U.S. Census Bureau Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/economic-statistics/imputation/"
}