Patterns and impact of longitudinal measurement error for welfare receipt

Measurement error is a common phenomenon in the empirical sciences. Longitudinal data can especially be affected by it, as measurement error can influence measures of change, which is one of the primary reasons for collecting longitudinal data in panel surveys. However, measurement error in longitudinal data is rarely analysed. In this series of papers, the measurement error for welfare receipt is analysed for up to five consecutive panel waves by linking panel survey data with administrative data on the individual level. Results from all four studies suggest that measurement error for welfare receipt is highly differential. The measurement error for welfare receipt is not based on a random process, but based on personal characteristics and the welfare histories of the respondents.