Work

Loss of power by degree of heaping in covariables

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Heaping or digit preference is frequently occurring in health research data as well as in deliberate data masking. We investigate the associated loss of power associated by degree of heaping by simulation and illustrate the effect with a real dataset. Moderate heaping leads to little power loss and may be tolerable. However, heaping in broad categories induces major power loss and should be avoided.

Source: BMC Medical Research Methodology

DOI: 10.1186/s12874-026-03043-4

Authors: Matthias Becher, Willi Sauerbrei, Heiko Becher

Institutions: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University of Freiburg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health

Language: English

Topic: Statistical Methods in Epidemiology

Subfield: Statistics and Probability

Field: Mathematics

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090

OpenAlex ID: W7222809028