Sensitivity analysis for non-random dropout: a local influence approach

Abstract

Diggle and Kenward (1994, Applied Statistics43, 49–93) proposed a selection model for continuous longitudinal data subject to nonrandom dropout. It has provoked a large debate about the role for such models. The original enthusiasm was followed by skepticism about the strong but untestable assumptions on which this type of model invariably rests. Since then, the view has emerged that these models should ideally be made part of a sensitivity analysis. This paper presents a formal and flexible approach to such a sensitivity assessment based on local influence (Cook, 1986, Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series B48, 133–169). The influence of perturbing a missing-at-random dropout model in the direction of nonrandom dropout is explored. The method is applied to data from a randomized experiment on the inhibition of testosterone production in rats.