Term: Respondent Attrition

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2006-10-20

Definition:

Loss of subjects (e.g.,. respondents answering questions in a survey or interview) over the course of the research project. Attrition may be a source of bias if the subjects who are lost make the sample less representative of the population.

References 

• Lix L, Yogendran M, Burchill C, Metge C, McKeen N, Moore D, Bond R. Defining and Validating Chronic Diseases: An Administrative Data Approach. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2006. [Report] [Summary] (View)