Contributor
Posts: 71

# Inflating standard errors when using a standardized weight on survey data

I have calculated a standardized weight for running weighted analysis using PROC FREQ. The issue is, I obtain standard errors that are half the size of the standard errors I obtain when using all the survey parameters in PROC SURVEYFREQ. I calculate the same proportions when I use the standardized weight in PROC FREQ and the original weight in PROC SURVEYFREQ, but I have a larger standard error in PROC SURVEYFREQ than in PROC FREQ.

I am trying to figure out if there is a standard way to inflate the standard error so that it does not underestimate the variance estimates in PROC FREQ. Thank you for any guidance you can provide!

Regular Contributor
Posts: 152

## Re: Inflating standard errors when using a standardized weight on survey data

If you have a survey, use PROC SURVEYFREQ, not PROC FREQ.  The standard errors and the variances calculated in PROC FREQ do not account for the survey design (for example, stratification, clustering).

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