Customer Reviews

Introduction to Survey Sampling: v. 35 (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a brief but useful introduction to survey sampling. Key question: Who should be interviewed to ensure that the sample, in some manner, represents the larger public?

The book considers the simplest form of sampling--the simple random sample. Often, this is impossible, since we would not have a list of the entire population. However, under certain circumstances it is possible. Other issues of importance, depending on the researcher's needs: systematic sampling, stratification, and cluster and multistage sampling.

The book also discusses identifying the sampling frame. A universal problem is that--even if we have a good sampling frame and generate a good sample--nonresponse by those identified and approached to be surveyed produces potential biases. What of those who choose not to participate are different than those who do? A bias is automatically introduced. . . .

Other issues: sample size, nonprobability sampling, weighting, sampling error.

The book is not an easy read for someone wanting a quick and dirty introduction to the subject. But it is a helpful resource.

This is a required text for a quantitative methods class I'm taking, but what I could really use is a more basic introduction. This book assumes that you know A LOT of statistics already -- it's full of formulas that are never really explained. It does have some great information on improving sampling schemes, but if you're looking for an actual introduction to the subject, this isn't it.