A review of methods for misclassified categorical data in epidemiology.
Misclassification introduces errors in categorical variables. This paper presents a review of methods for misclassified categorical data in epidemiology. Different sampling schemes for a 2 x 2 x 2 table and methods of analyses will be discussed first. A misclassification matrix is defined, and the usual misclassification models will be shown to be a subclass of log-linear models. Well-known results on a 2 x 2 table with misclassification and recent results on a 2 x 2 x 2 table are then reviewed. Finally two methods of adjusting for misclassification will be given. The first method assumes a known misclassification matrix, and the second method uses subsampling to estimate the misclassification matrix. The analysis is based on a recursive system of log-linear models: first determine a misclassification model, then select a model for the correctly classified variables. The methods are illustrated by data from traffic safety research on the effectiveness of seatbelt use in reducing injuries.
Chen
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Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas 76134.
D001699:Biometry / Q000379:methods; D002965:Classification; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans