Rebutting existing misconceptions about multiple imputation as a method for handling missing data

Ginkel, J.R. van; Linting, M.; Rippe, R.C.A.; Voort, A. van der

doi:doi:10.1080/00223891.2018.1530680

Ginkel, J.R. van; Linting, M.; Rippe, R.C.A.; Voort, A. van der (2019)

Rebutting existing misconceptions about multiple imputation as a method for handling missing data

Missing data is a problem that occurs frequently in many scientific areas. The most sophisticatedmethod for dealing with this problem is multiple imputation. Contrary to other methods, like listwise deletion, this method does not throw away information, and partly repairs the problem ofsystematic dropout. Although from a theoretical point of view multiple imputation is consideredto be the optimal method, many applied researchers are reluctant to use it because of persistentmisconceptions about this method. Instead of providing an(other) overview of missing data methods, or extensively explaining how multiple imputation works, this article aims specifically atrebutting these misconceptions, and provides applied researchers with practical arguments supporting them in the use of multiple imputation.

Missing data

Multiple imputation