The effect of alternative matching procedures on fertility estimates based on the own-children method
Levin, M.J.; Retherford, R.D.
Asian and Pacific Census Forum 8(3): 11-13; 17
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0732-0515 PMID: 12311588 Document Number: 443240
Fertility estimation by the own-children method is reviewed and the problem of mismatching by the computer matching algorithm is discussed. By using a direct matching method, in which the mother's person number (MPN) in the household listing is recorded for each of her children, rather than the indirect matching method based on relationship to head of household (RHH), ambiguity and mismatches are reduced. While recording the mother's person number increases the accuracy it also raises the costs of the survey. Own-children fertility estimates from American Samoa and the East Java Province of Indonesia are used to compare the accuracy of the 2 matching methods and to see if the extra cost of MPN is justified. Data on fertility rates are presented by matching method for American Samoa and East Java, and are plotted from 1960 to 1974. Data on age specific birth rates, by matching method, are also presented. The study finds that when households are large and complex, as in American Samoa, with high rates of adoption and in- and out-migration, the extra cost of MPN is justified. Where households are smaller and simpler as in East Java MPN may not be necessary for fertility estimation. However, MPN matching has other applications, such as studying family structure.