Implications of missing data in survey research

This paper focuses on types of missing data on surveys and provides information about addressing the problem. A particular type of missing data discussed is item non-response, a problem encountered by library and information science researchers. An overview of issues associated with missing data on surveys and theoretical and methodological techniques for dealing with missing data is presented. A basic discussion of terminology and procedures for missing data is included and a theoretical framework for missing data is presented. Three mechanisms that can produce missing data are explained and "state of the art" procedures are discussed.