How Representative Is the ACTIVE Sample? A Statistical Comparison of the ACTIVE Sample and the HRS Sample

OBJECTIVE: This research is designed to examine demographic differences between the ACTIVE sample and the larger, nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (HRS) sample. METHOD: After describing some relevant demographics (age, education, sex, and race/ethnicity), we use three statistical methods to determine sample differences--logistic regression modeling (LRM), decision tree analysis (DTA), and post-stratification and raking methods. When some differences are found, we create sample weights that other researchers can use to adjust these differences. RESULTS: The ACTIVE sample is younger, more likely to be female, Black, and more highly educated than the HRS sample. Sample weights were created. DISCUSSION: By using the resulting sample weights, all results of ACTIVE analyses can be said to be nationally representative based on HRS demographics.