The American Statistical Association (ASA) studied whether it should offer a certification designation for its members, so that statisticians meeting the qualifications could be designated as “Certified Statisticians.” In 1994, the ASA surveyed its membership about this issue, with data in file certify.dat. The survey was sent to all 18,609 members; 5001 responses were obtained. Results from the survey were reported in the October 1994 issue of Amstat News. Assume that in 1994, the ASA membership had the following characteristics: 55% have Ph.D.’s and 38% have Master’s degrees; 29% work in industry, 34% work in academia, and 11% work in government. The cross-classification between education and workplace was unavailable.
a. What are the response rates for the various subclasses of ASA membership? Are the non respondents MCAR? Do you think they are MAR?
b. Use raking to adjust the weights for the six cells defined by education (Ph.D. or non-Ph.D.) and workplace (industry, academia, or other). Start with an initial weight of 18,609/5001 for each respondent. What assumptions must you make to use raking?
c. Can you conclude from this survey that a majority of the ASA membership opposed certification in 1994? Why, or why not?