Face-to-Face Interviews and Mailed Questionnaires: The Net Difference in Response Rate

Traditionally, as reflected in methodology textbook reviewsof the survey nonresponse literature, interviews have been thoughtto achieve substantially higher response rates than mailed questionnaires.The paper describes a correlational design for assessing thetypical response difference between these two forms of datacollection, after controls for other factors known to affectsurvey response. Attention is given to change over time in theresponse difference between interviews and questionnaires. Inthe primary data set, the net response due to data collectionamounts to some 7.5 percentage points, in the middle (30–70)range of survey response. The analysis quantifies the declineover time in interview response, and shows mailed questionnairesto be free from decline. A second data set reproduces the essentialfindings.     

ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF CURRENCY UNIONS

We develop a new instrumental-variable (IV) approach to estimate the effects of different exchange rate regimes on bilateral outcomes. The basic idea is that the characteristics of the exchange rate between two countries are partially related to the independent decisions of these countries to peg—explicitly or de facto—to a third currency, notably that of a main anchor. This component of the exchange rate regime can be used as an IV in regressions of bilateral outcomes. We apply the methodology to study the economic effects of currency unions. The likelihood that two countries independently adopt the currency of the same anchor country is used as an instrument for whether they share a common currency. We find that sharing a common currency enhances trade, increases price comovements, and decreases the comovement of real gross domestic product shocks. ( JEL C3, F3, F4)     

Using a Markov Chain to Construct a Tractable Approximation of an Intractable Probability Distribution

Abstract.  Let π denote an intractable probability distribution that we would like to explore. Suppose that we have a positive recurrent, irreducible Markov chain that satisfies a minorization condition and has π as its invariant measure. We provide a method of using simulations from the Markov chain to construct a statistical estimate of π from which it is straightforward to sample. We show that this estimate is 'strongly consistent' in the sense that the total variation distance between the estimate and π converges to 0 almost surely as the number of simulations grows. Moreover, we use some recently developed asymptotic results to provide guidance as to how much simulation is necessary. Draws from the estimate can be used to approximate features of π or as intelligent starting values for the original Markov chain. We illustrate our methods with two examples.     

SEX DISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN FACULTY SALARIES

A counterfactual model is used to determine if sex discrimination in salaries existed at Illinois State University. The analysis makes use of detailed peer evaluations of each faculty members's productivity in scholarly productivity, teaching, and service. The model is extended to examine the effects of Affirmative Action salary increments given female faculty members. Evidence of sex discrimination in salaries against female faculty is found. The Affirmative Action salary program erased this discrimination and introduced statistically significant discrimination against male faculty.