Current Survey Statistics

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.

Current Topics in Survey Sampling contains all the invited papers as well as abstracts of the contributed papers presented at the International Symposium on Survey Sampling held at Carleton University in Ottawa, 7-9 May 1980. The topics covered here include nonsampling errors, current survey research activity, superpopulation models, variance estimation, and imputation techniques. The symposium was also dedicated to the memory of Professor William G. Cochran. The volume is organized into six parts. Part I includes papers by Cochran’s close colleagues. Part II contains three papers on nonsampling errors. These cover the creation of a unified discipline of survey research to serve as the basis for total survey design; a ""swapping algorithm"" for interviewer assignment to minimize the effect of nonsampling errors; and the question of whether census counts should be adjusted for underenumeration when determining federal transfer payments to the provinces. Part III describes research activities at four major survey organizations in North America: Research Triangle Institute, Statistics Canada, Survey Research Center of the University of Michigan, and U. S. Bureau of the Census. Part IV discusses the use of superpopulation models in survey design and inference. Part V tackles a number of different problems in variance estimation while Part VI deals with imputation techniques.

Federal government statistics provide critical information to the country and serve a key role in a democracy. For decades, sample surveys with instruments carefully designed for particular data needs have been one of the primary methods for collecting data for federal statistics. However, the costs of conducting such surveys have been increasing while response rates have been declining, and many surveys are not able to fulfill growing demands for more timely information and for more detailed information at state and local levels. Innovations in Federal Statistics examines the opportunities and risks of using government administrative and private sector data sources to foster a paradigm shift in federal statistical programs that would combine diverse data sources in a secure manner to enhance federal statistics. This first publication of a two-part series discusses the challenges faced by the federal statistical system and the foundational elements needed for a new paradigm.

This publication discusses the population growth trends of this century.