Survey Sampling and Related Techniques

How to be confident that your insights are compatible with the origin of the raw data?

Survey Sampling and Related Techniques

Course context

This is perfect for researchers working on quantitative surveys, discussing best practice in sampling methods, its importance and how this can impact on the statistical validity of the survey findings. We'll also address how to ensure that the data are collected in a robust way so that they lend themselves to advanced analyses and appropriate decision making.  The course covers a range of topics around survey sampling, including statistical reliability, setting samples sizes, the testing of significance and survey weighting.  The early part of the day covers useful and relevant background topics to prepare delegates for the rest of the day, such as data presentation, probability and basic survey analytics. 

Level

Advanced

Who will benefit from this course?

Delegates will be researchers or client-side research commissioners with at least 1-2 years of quant experience who are fairly comfortable with basic mathematical principles; especially those working on large scale public-sector surveys (face-to-face or telephone) and/or where results are required with a high degree of accuracy.  Buyers/receivers of research will find this course useful too, so that they will understand what questions to ask about the means by which the information was collected, thus helping them take a more critical stance.

Delegates should be reasonably numerate and not be put off by some basic mathematical equations.

Aims and objectives

• Using, understanding and presenting basic statistics, summary data and tables/charts
• What probability is and its role in sampling
• What is normal distribution and what are its practical applications
• The precision of survey estimates and findings /statistical reliability
• How to generalise from samples to populations
• Steps to take and what to consider in generating valid and precise samples
• How to determine the right sample size for a given level of precision
• How to determine the right sampling method to optimise accuracy
• How aspects of sample design can impact on precision
• Survey results weighting to represent target populations
• How to recognise common pitfalls

Learning objectives

• Appreciate how aspects of the sample (design/size) can impact on its results.
• Know what steps to take in considering how to take an optimum sample.
• Know how to calculate the precision of a sample.
• Know how to determine whether changes in results or comparisons are genuinely different.
• Understand how to present and interpret data and be comfortable with basic statistical concepts.
• Understand probability and its role in sampling.
• Appreciate how certain aspect of the sample design can impact on results and their levels of precision.
• Know how to go about drawing a fit-for purpose sample and be able to point out flaws in designs.

Trainer Biography

Andrew Zelin is a Freelance Data Scientist, with over 25 years’ experience as a professional statistician, running analytical projects in Market Research, Central Government, Health and the Telecomms Sectors.  This includes over a decade of leading Analytics teams at senior level at Ipsos.  He has given training in a range of statistical and survey-design related practices since 2001 within his organisations, the MRS and the Rod Laird Training Company.  He is a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) who has presented at RSS, AAPOR and SAS conferences, has published two award-winning methodology papers and is a Mentor for the MRS.

Testimonials

"Excellent for researchers of all levels, gives great practical insights of sampling and weighting!"

Fahad - Publicis Groupe, June 2020

"Comprehensive and delivered by an expert - but requires brain power!"

Amy Jones - Girl Effect, June 2020

"Helpful in understanding the background to carrying out surveys and analysing results."

Anne-Marie Burgoyne - DVLA, June 2020