Bias-calibrated Estimation from Sample Surveys Containing Outliers

Abstract

Summary We discuss the problem of estimating finite population parameters on the basis of a sample containing representative outliers. We clarify the motivation for Chambers's bias-calibrated estimator of the population total and show that bias calibration is a key idea in constructing estimators of finite population parameters. We then link the problem of estimating the population total to distribution function or quantile estimation and explore a methodology based on the use of Chambers's estimator. We also propose methodology based on the use of robust estimates and a bias-calibrated form of the Chambers and Dunstan estimator of the population distribution function. This proposal leads to a bias-calibrated estimator of the population total which is an alternative to that of Chambers. We present a small simulation study to illustrate the utility of these estimators.