Centre for Statistical & Survey Methodology Working Paper Series
Publication Date
2013
Recommended Citation
Steel, David and Clark, Robert Graham, Potential gains from using unit level cost information in a model-assisted framework, Centre for Statistical and Survey Methodology, University of Wollongong, Working Paper 11-13, 2013, 18.
https://ro.uow.edu.au/cssmwp/117
Abstract
In developing the sample design for a survey we attempt to produce a good design for the funds available. Information on costs can be used to develop sample designs that minimise the sampling variance of an estimator of total for fixed costs. Improvements in survey management systems mean that it is now sometimes possible to estimate the cost of including each unit in the sample. This paper develops relatively simple approaches to determine whether the potential gains arising from using this unit level cost information are likely to be of practical use. It is shown that the key factor is the coefficient of variation of the costs relative to the coefficient of variation of the relative error on the estimated cost coefficients.
Publication Details
This working paper was subsequently revised and published as:
Steel, D. G. & Clark, R. Graham. (2014). Potential gains from using unit level cost information in a model-assisted framework. Survey Methodology, 40 (2), 231-242.
See: http://ro.uow.edu.au/eispapers/3346/