An Outline Of Statistical Development

This publication shows readers how to design and conduct a census or sample survey. It explains basic survey concepts and provides information on how to create efficient and high quality surveys. It is aimed at those involved in planning, conducting or managing a survey and at students of survey design courses. This book contains the following information: formulating the survey objectives and design a questionnaire; things to consider when designing a survey (choosing between a sample or a census, defining the survey population, choosing which survey frame to use, possible sources of survey error); determining the sample size, allocate the sample across strata and select the sample; appropriate uses of survey data and methods of point and variance estimation in data analysis; data dissemination and disclosure control; using administrative data, particularly during the design and estimation phases; choosing a collection method (self-enumeration, personal interview or telephone interview, computer-assisted versus paper-based questionnaires); organizing and conducting data collection operations; processing data (all data handling activities between collection and estimation) and using quality control and quality assurance measures to minimize and control errors during various survey steps; and planning and managing a survey. This publication also includes a case study that illustrates the steps in developing a household survey, using the methods and principles presented in the book.

This volume collects the extended versions of papers presented at the SIS Conference “Statistics and Data Science: new challenges, new generations”, held in Florence, Italy on June 28-30, 2017. Highlighting the central role of statistics and data analysis methods in the era of Data Science, the contributions offer an essential overview of the latest developments in various areas of statistics research. The 35 contributions have been divided into six parts, each of which focuses on a core area contributing to “Data Science”. The book covers topics including strong statistical methodologies, Bayesian approaches, applications in population and social studies, studies in economics and finance, techniques of sample design and mathematical statistics. Though the book is mainly intended for researchers interested in the latest frontiers of Statistics and Data Analysis, it also offers valuable supplementary material for students of the disciplines dealt with here. Lastly, it will help Statisticians and Data Scientists recognize their counterparts’ fundamental role.