Multiple Imputation for Nonignorable Item Nonresponse in Complex Surveys Using Auxiliary Margin

Abstract: We outline a framework for multiple imputation of nonignorable item nonresponse when the marginal distributions of some of the variables with missing values are known. In particular, our framework ensures that (i) the completed datasets result in design-based estimates of totals that are plausible, given the margins, and (ii) the completed datasets maintain associations across variables as posited in the imputation models. To do so, we propose an additive nonignorable model for nonresponse, coupled with a rejection sampling step. The rejection sampling step favors completed datasets that result in design-based estimates that are plausible given the known margins. We illustrate the framework using simulations with stratified sampling.