Multistage Sampling Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What are the primary sampling units (PSUs) in a three-stage sampling design for a household survey?

Districts (Woredas) (correct)

Sub-districts

Enumeration areas (kebeles)

Housing units (households)

Which type of sampling frame is characterized by a stable framework for selecting sub-samples over time?

Area frames

List frames

Clustered frames

Master sample frames (correct)

What is a significant quality-related property that a sampling frame should have?

It must contain unique numerical identifiers for units. (correct)

It must consist of units with low costs.

It should cover only the essential areas.

It can have arbitrary unit boundaries.

In the context of multistage sampling designs, what do ultimate sampling units (USUs) refer to?

The final sampling unit to be selected Signup and view all the answers

Which frame is often used when there is a lack of a good population frame for the ultimate sampling units?

Clustered frames Signup and view all the answers

What is a key desirable property of quality-related frames?

They must consist of units with recognized boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not considered a type of sampling frame?

Non-probability frames Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'secondary sampling units (SSUs)' refer to in a multistage sampling design?

Units used for intermediate stages of sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of forming strata in stratified sampling?

To achieve greater efficiency by maintaining internal homogeneity and external heterogeneity Signup and view all the answers

In the context of two-stage sampling, what is meant by a 'first-stage unit'?

One of the N clusters consisting of the subunits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes a sampling frame?

A detailed structure that facilitates unit access within the population Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is essential for the first-stage units in a multi-stage design?

They should be internally homogeneous and heterogeneous to each other Signup and view all the answers

How does stratification affect the efficiency of the sampling process?

It enhances efficiency through proper unit representation Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary component of a sampling frame?

Mechanisms to connect frame units to population elements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of utilizing stratified multi-stage sampling?

It combines cost-effectiveness of multi-stage and stratified sampling methods Signup and view all the answers

Why is internal homogeneity important for strata in sampling?

It increases reliability of the sample estimates Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle emphasizes the treatment of individuals according to what is morally right and proper?

Justice Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary obligation under the ethical principle of beneficence?

To minimize risks while maximizing benefits Signup and view all the answers

Which principle requires researchers to avoid bias and disclose any personal interests?

Objectivity Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers avoid to uphold the ethical principle of carefulness?

Publishing results without thorough review Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research ethics, which action is most closely aligned with integrity?

Keeping agreements with research collaborators Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of respect for persons require regarding vulnerable individuals?

They should be afforded security against harm Signup and view all the answers

What does completeness of a sampling frame refer to?

The extent to which the intended coverage is actually achieved. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility under research ethics when dealing with animal subjects?

Conducting experiments without oversight Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern when considering the cost related properties of a sampling frame?

The budget allocation must factor in frame preparation, maintenance, and updates. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of research ethics is primarily concerned with avoiding discrimination?

Non-Discrimination Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes efficiency related properties of sampling frames?

They include properties that facilitate the use of efficient survey designs. Signup and view all the answers

When developing a sampling frame, which property is crucial for facilitating efficient sample design?

Utilizing good quality maps to outline the boundaries of units. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of sampling methods?

To obtain a sample that is representative of the target population. Signup and view all the answers

What must be considered when deciding on the sampling method?

Some prior knowledge and assumptions about the target population. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sampling frames, what is meant by stable units?

Units that have a set number, definition, and size. Signup and view all the answers

Who typically collaborates in the choice of sample design?

Survey statistician, subject matter specialists, and survey executors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of informed consent in a study?

To confirm participants fully understand and voluntarily agree to participate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an essential element of informed consent?

Satisfaction with compensation offered Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of ethical review boards?

To ensure proposed research is scientifically valid and ethically sound Signup and view all the answers

In the context of data collection instruments, what distinguishes a structured questionnaire?

It includes written questions requiring direct responses from participants Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about unstructured questionnaires is accurate?

They often include open-ended questions for exploratory purposes Signup and view all the answers

Which of these components is NOT typically included in the information provided during informed consent?

Personal data collection methods Signup and view all the answers

What type of questionnaire primarily serves qualitative research needs?

Unstructured questionnaire Signup and view all the answers

The process of informed consent primarily serves to guarantee which aspect of participant involvement?

Full understanding and voluntary choice Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of questionnaire design in formal sample surveys?

Ensuring maximum topic coverage within the survey Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is essential to ensure error-free data transfer in a questionnaire?

Clear, comprehensive questions with predefined answers Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in a self-contained questionnaire?

Identification information for the enumerator, respondent, and context Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended logical order for questions in a questionnaire?

Chronological or sequential pattern based on the topics Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the questionnaire design process?

Finalize the design and layout based on pilot results Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended design principle for a questionnaire?

Use difficult terminology to challenge respondents Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to test questionnaire designs on model respondents?

To refine the language and structure of questions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation that must be considered during questionnaire design regarding interview length?

Respondents' fatigue and the desire for brevity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Multistage Sampling: Two-Stage Equal Cluster Sampling

Multi-stage sampling selects the sample in stages.
Sampling units in each stage are subsamples from larger units chosen in the previous stages.
Appropriate methods of selection are adopted at each stage (e.g., simple random, systematic, probability proportional to size).

Multi-Stage Sampling: Reasons

Sampling frames may not be available for all units in the population, making it laborious and costly to create a complete frame.
Multi-stage sampling is often more convenient and less expensive than single-stage sampling, especially in large-scale surveys.
Multi-stage sampling can reduce response errors and improve sampling efficiency by reducing intra-class correlation in natural sampling units (e.g., households, villages).
In crop surveys, villages are the first-stage units, fields within villages are the second-stage, and plots within fields are the third-stage units.

Two-Stage Sampling Scheme

The population is divided into clusters.
Clusters are the first-stage sampling units.
A sample of clusters is selected from the population.
Each selected cluster is then divided into subunits (sub-clusters).
A sample of subunits is selected from each cluster.

Mean and Variance of Two-Stage Sampling

The population consists of N clusters, each with M subunits.
Y_ij is the value of a characteristic for the j^th subunit in the i^th cluster.
The population mean (Y) is calculated as (1/NM) * Σ_i=1^N Σ_j=1^M Y_ij.

Sampling Frame Definition

A sampling frame is a listing of the units from which a sample is selected.
It should accurately represent the population.
It includes materials, procedures, and devices to identify, distinguish, and access population elements.
Rules for linking frame units to population elements are part of the frame.
Auxiliary information (e.g., size, demographic information) is typically included for use in special sampling techniques (e.g., stratification, probability proportional to size, ratio or regression estimation).
Multi-stage designs need a frame for each stage of selection.

Frames in Multi-Stage Designs

In multi-stage sampling, the sampling units used at the first stage are called primary sampling units (PSUs).
For subsequent stages, units are called secondary sampling units (SSUs), or third-stage units, etc.
The final-stage units are called ultimate sampling units (USUs).
For example, in a household survey, districts may be PSUs, enumeration areas (EAs) could be SSUs, and housing units could be USUs.

Types of Sampling Frames

Area frames: Units are geographically defined areas.
List frames: Units are listed as items on a list.
Master sample frames: Used for repeated surveys over time to ensure stability.
Clustered frames: Are used when no good population frame exists.
The existence of a complete frame or master frame is not always viable.

Desirable Properties of Frames

Quality related properties: Minimize nonsampling errors (e.g., coverage error).
- Units should be well-defined (with clear boundaries on maps/definitions).
- Units should have unique identifiers (numerical, and other identifiers).
- The frame should be complete (including all target population elements).
- The frame should be up-to-date.
- Units should be stable over the time period.
Efficiency related properties: Balance sampling error and cost.
- Choose sampling units that work in a hierarchical fashion.
- The frame should be in a format suitable for use in computer-assisted processing.
- A good quality map should be available with the frame.
Cost related properties: Frame preparation costs should be considered at the planning stage.
- Aim for a frame that is maintainable in low cost, and should be efficient in use.
- Consider how data from different stages can be combined.

Sample Design-Selection Process

Defining sample objectives is needed before choosing a suitable sample design.
The method of selecting a sample should be chosen carefully as each design produces different levels of precision for a given sample size.

Sample Size Calculation

The sample size (n) depends on several factors:
The required level of precision (margin of error & confidence level)
The acceptable estimate of the key proportion (or 50% when unsure).
The sample design that will be used.

Estimation Procedure

Population estimates are computed from sample data, reported together with an indication of the estimate's precision.
The specific estimation procedure depends on the sample design used.
Population estimates are often based on proportions, calculating an estimate of a small sample and multiplying by the inverse of the sampling fraction.

Methods of Data Collection

Primary data: Collected directly by or on behalf of the researcher.
Primary data methods: Questionnaires, interview methods, observation methods.
Secondary data: Collected for a different purpose by someone else.
Secondary data sources: Published materials (journals, books), databases, and other sources.

Ethical Considerations

Honesty in data reporting, methodological descriptions, and publication status.
Avoid bias and disclose potential conflicts of interest.
Maintain integrity, keep commitments, and be careful in research.
Minimize harm and maximize benefits of research.
The ethical treatment of human study participants through informed consent (which can be implemented through the provision of information, comprehension, and individual autonomy).
- Providing the respondent with all applicable information (objectives, selection criteria, risks, compensation details).
The researcher’s responsibility to the respondents and ensure all applicable research guidelines are in place to minimize negative impact from study participants.
Ethical review committees (ERBs) are responsible for determining scientific soundness and resolving ethical concerns.

Instrument of Data Collection

A data collection instrument (e.g., a questionnaire) is used to collect and record data.
Structured questionnaires: contain pre-determined questions in a prescribed order
Unstructured questionnaires: Contain open-ended questions that allow for more diverse answers
Combining various methods is common

Questionnaires

Open-ended questions allow free-form answers.
Closed-ended questions use predetermined answer choices.
Questions should be organized logically; based on a natural sequence.
Questions should be phrased clearly for every individual completing the questionnaire.
Sensitive topics and time reference periods should also be considered during survey design. Multiple questions (soluble-barreled) may combine two or more distinct questions.
Ambiguous questions can lead to inaccurate interpretations and should be avoided. The language needs to be suitable across varied audiences.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of multistage sampling, specifically focusing on two-stage equal cluster sampling methods. It discusses the reasons for using multistage sampling and its advantages in large-scale surveys. Test your understanding of how samples are selected in stages and the various sampling methods involved.