TECHNICAL NOTE DATA QUALITY
NON-SAMPLING ERROR
1 Non-sampling errors may arise as a result of errors in the reporting or processing of data. These errors can be introduced through inadequacies in the collection instrument, treatment of non-response, inaccurate reporting by providers, errors in the application of survey procedures, incorrect recording of answers and errors in data capture and processing.
2 The extent to which non-sampling error affects the results is difficult to measure. Every effort is made to minimise non-sampling error by careful design and testing of the collection instrument, the use of efficient operating procedures and systems, and the use of appropriate methodologies.
Reliability of Statistics
3 When interpreting the statistics in this publication, the reliability of the estimates may be affected by the following specific non-sampling errors:
- Many universities provided estimates due to a lack of separately recorded data on R&D activity.
- Data were subjectively classified, by universities, to Research fields, Socio-economic objectives and Type of activity at the time of reporting. Some universities may have experienced difficulty in classifying their R&D projects. The ABS makes every effort to ensure correct and consistent interpretation and reporting of these data by applying consistent processing methodologies.
- Estimation of overhead R&D expenditure varied across universities.
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