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Does it matter who you ask for time-use data?

Author

Listed:
  • Deepti Sharma
  • Hema Swaminathan
  • Rahul Lahoti

Abstract

Time-use statistics are sensitive to measurement error, especially errors that might be introduced based on whether the informant is reporting on herself or reporting on others in the household. In this paper, we use the nationally representative time-use survey in India and propensity score matching methods to investigate how self- and proxy reporting impact the reported time spent on various activities by men and women. Theoretically, we examine the mechanisms underpinning the differences in reporting and empirically test our hypothesis.

Suggested Citation

  • Deepti Sharma & Hema Swaminathan & Rahul Lahoti, 2024. "Does it matter who you ask for time-use data?," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2024-1, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
  • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2024-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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