SEDL / STP / STP1097-EB / STP25444S

Sampling Terms of Reference

Proctor, CH
Professor, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

Pages: 6    Published: Jan 1990

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Abstract

Two aspects of a sample design that seem crucial in deciding whether specialized statistical expertise will be required to make the design work are: (1) frame versus nonframe sampling and (2) random versus patterned sampling. These terms are illustrated and some subcategories are suggested. Even a clearly defined frame may be less than adequate. Patterned sampling can yield small sampling variances but the size of this variance may be difficult to discover. The assistance of a statistician seems most needed when there is no frame, or a less than adequate one, and when a highly patterned sampling design is used.