Estimation of finite population mean of a sensitive variable using three-stage optional RRT in the presence of non-response and measurement errors.

The purpose of this study is to present a generalized class of estimators using the three-stage optional randomized response technique (RRT) in the presence of non-response and measurement errors on a sensitive study variable. The proposed estimator makes use of dual auxiliary information. The expression for the bias and mean square error of the proposed estimator are derived using Taylor series expansion. The proposed estimator's applicability is proven using real data sets. A numerical study is used to compare efficiency of the proposed estimator with adapted estimators of the finite population mean. The suggested estimator performs better than adapted ordinary, ratio, and exponential ratio-type estimators in the presence of both non-response and measurement errors. The efficiency of the proposed estimator of population mean declines as the inverse sampling rate, non-response rate, and sensitivity level of the survey question increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]