types of errors in a survey
Total survey error - Sources of nonsampling error. 1  The survey literature decomposes nonsampling errors into five general sources or types: specification error, frame error, nonresponse error, measurement error, and processing error. Specification error occurs when the concept implied by the survey question differs from the concept meant to be measured in the survey.
Common mistake: Neglecting to think adequately about possible consequences of Type I and Type II errors (and deciding acceptable levels of Type I and II errors based on these consequences) before conducting a study and analyzing data.