Explain the various non- sampling errors?

Non sampling errors arise due to reasons other than sampling, like error in scales, instruments, data
collection, editing, coding or tabulation. These errors will occur in sampling and census survey. Data
obtained through complete enumeration ie census survey will have no sampling errors but will suffer
from non- sampling errors. These errors can occur at any stage of research process ie from planning to
execution to interpretation. These errors are of two types:
1) Response errors
2) Non response errors
1) Response errors:
These errors arise when the respondents give inaccurate answers or their answers are not recorded
properly. Response errors can be accounted for three sources.
a) Researcher Error:
A researcher can introduce errors by recording the wrong information that does not suit the purpose.
He may use a faulty scale of measurement, define the population wrongly, developed an incorrect
sampling frame or use inappropriate statistical procedures.
b) Interviewer Errors:
These errors occur when interviewer select respondents other than those specified in the sampling
design. They may ask question in the wrong manner and further introduce errors due to faulty hearing.
Interpreting and recording the respondents answers. The interviewer may also commit the error of
fabricating answers.
c) Respondents Error:
Such errors arise on behalf of respondents activities one reason could be that the respondents may be
unable to provide correct answers because of many reasons like lack of knowledge, fatigue, shyness
etc... . Respondents may also deliberately provide wrong answers to cover the embarrassing question
or provide socially correct answers.
2) Non response errors:
They arise when some of the respondents do not respond. The general impact of non response is that it
alters the size and composition of original sample. Non response could be due to failure in locating
the respondents, or their unwillingness to respond or because they lack the information desired. These
errors tend to increase bias in the research results.