Surveys and Population-Based StudiesNonprobability SamplingQuota SamplingProbability SamplingRandom SamplingSlide 6Population-Based SamplingSlide 8Advantages of Probability SamplingUtility of Sampling TheoryInference in Population-Based StudiesPopulation HierarchyPopulation Hierarchy: Some ExamplesComponents of a Population-Based StudySlide 15Slide 16Slide 171Surveys and Population-Based StudiesDefinition of a "Survey" A method of collecting information about a human population in which direct (or indirect) contact is made with the units of the study (e.g., individuals, organizations, communities, etc.) by using systematic methods of measurements like questionnaires and interview schedules. (Warwick and Lininger, 1975)Examples of well-known surveys:–U.S. Decennial Census–Current Population Survey (n=60,000 HHs/mo.)–Health Interview Survey (n=50,000 HHs/yr.)–Other Examples in Groves, et al. (2004)2Nonprobability SamplingSelection by nonrandom methodsMembership in the sample is ultimately left to human judgmentNo basis for assuming stochastic behavior of sample estimatesOne method: quota sampling3Quota Sampling Quota control/allocation for each interviewer:Category Age GenderInterviewerAssignment1 <40 M 152 <40 F 153 >40 M 104 >40 F 10TOTAL 50 Filling category is left to interviewer's discretion (i.e., judgment)4Probability SamplingUltimate selection left to some randomized (i.e., chance) mechanismTwo types: –Random sampling –Survey sampling5Random Sampling"Population" is infinite and abstract; distribution of measurements follows some assumed form (e.g., a normal distribution)Sample is the result of independently selecting a measurement at random from the assumed distribution, with sample size as the number of selections6Random Sampling “Random sample” as defined by Hogg & Craig: "Let X1, X2, . . ., Xn denote n mutually statistically independent random variables, each of which has the same but possibly unknown probability density function, f(x). The random variables X1, X2, . . ., Xn are then said to constitute a random sample from a distribution that has pdf, f(x). Example: f(x) for the normal distribution:f xx( ) exp( ) LNMOQP122222 x7Population-Based SamplingPopulation is finite (i.e., made up of a countable set of members)Distribution of measurements usually does not follow a neat mathematical form–Ex: Number of health care visits in the past 12 monthsRandomization used but selections may not be made independently8Probability SamplingEach population element has a known and nonzero probability of being selected into the sampleEPSEM sample design: –Sample in which selection probability for each element is equal; –Stands for Equal Probability Selection Method. –Also use the term "self-weighting"9Advantages of Probability SamplingStatistical theory (including sampling theory) assumes this methodNot subject to biases of human judgmentCan directly measure the precision (i.e., statistical quality) of estimates produced from sample10Utility of Sampling TheoryBasis for settling on ways to estimate population parameters and the precision of those estimatesBasis for much of the decision making in designing the sample11Inference in Population-Based StudiesCircle of inference:Population:Values to be EstimatedSample Design(Probability Sampling)Selected Sample:(Data Collected)Analysis:(Population Values Estimated)12Population HierarchyPopulationMember13Population Hierarchy: Some ExamplesFirst grade students in NC schoolsResidents of the United States14Components of a Population-Based StudyPlanning–Study specifications Target population vs. Survey population–Budget considerations–Staff communication–Sample size15Components of a Population-Based StudySampling–Preliminary activities–Search for sampling frame(s) List(s) of units to be sampled–Develop the sample design Plan to choose the sampleConsists of a sequence of statistical issues and decisions–Select the sample16Components of a Population-Based StudyData collection instrument–Design questionnaire and forms–Small-scale testing–Manuals for trainingData collection–Preparation (e.g., hiring and training)–Field operations (e.g., monitoring and supervision)Manual editing/coding–Preparation–Operations17Components of a Population-Based StudyData entry–Preparation–OperationsMachine editing/coding and file processing–Preparation–Run edits–Prepare analysis work filesAnalysis and
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