A model for generalized edit and imputation of survey data

The concept of generalized systems for survey processing has gained importance in recent years because of resource constraints. Statistics Canada has adopted a policy to develop generalized systems to the extent that is feasible and cost‐efficient. A generalized edit and imputation (E&I) system is of prime importance. An E&I system is proposed that describes the overall edit and imputation function as comprising five component functions: edit specification, edit analysis, edit application, error localization, and imputation. Implementation of the E&I model, especially for numerical data, is discussed. The focus is on methodology rather than systems.