MA0381: Survey Sampling

School Cardiff School of Mathematics
Department Code MATHS
Module Code MA0381
External Subject Code G100
Number of Credits 10
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Andrey Pepelyshev
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2014/5

Outline Description of Module

This is an introduction to the various methods used in estimating parameters by taking samples.  Sampling is used in a wide variety of situations including business and household surveys, market research, and medical studies. Formulae within methods are derived and proved, along with a discussion of case studies, with occasional lectures delivered by practitioners in the field who will describe the applications survey sampling theory.

Prerequisite modules:  MA2500 Foundations of Probability and Statistics

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • describe the concepts of design based sampling.
  • deduce and compare estimates for means, totals, proportions, and ratios for different sampling methods. 
  • compute relevant sample size calculations.
  • apply the theory to practical surveys.

How the module will be delivered

27 – 50 minute lectures

Some handouts will be provided in hard copy or via Learning Central, but students will be expected to take notes of lectures.

Students are also expected to undertake at least 50 hours private study including preparation of solutions to given exercises.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Skills:

Be able to estimate means, totals, proportions, and ratios using various sample designs, and be able to compare accuracies. 

Be able to determine the sample size needed to achieve required accuracies.

Be able to write an account of the application of survey sampling methods.

Transferable Skills:

Knowledge of the application of theory to practical surveys in various fields.

How the module will be assessed

The in-course element of summative assessment is made up of two written courseworks. This allows students to demonstrate a level of knowledge and skills appropriate for that stage in the module, and apply theory to practical real-world examples.  Students will be given approximately 2 weeks for the completion of each coursework.

The major component of summative assessment is the written examination at the end of the module.  This gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their overall achievement of learning outcomes.  It also allows them to give evidence of the higher levels of knowledge and understanding required for above average marks. The examination paper will contain questions looking for derivation of proofs, and application of formulae within numerical examples.

The examination paper has a choice of three from four equally weighted questions.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Autumn Semester 85 Survey Sampling 2
Written Assessment 15 Coursework N/A

Syllabus content

  • Introduction to design based sampling and sample frames.
  • General approach to simple random sampling, stratified (eg for business surveys), cluster (eg for household surveys) and systematic samples.
  • Detailed study of these designs; estimation of means, totals, ratios and proportions.  Variances (the finite population correction factor) and confidence intervals for these estimators.
  • Estimation of sample sizes and allocation of sampling units.
  • Ratio estimation.
  • Comparison of sample designs, and design effects.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Sampling: Design and Analysis, Lohr, S. L., Duxbury

Background Reading and Resource List

Sampling Techniques, Cochran, W. G., Wiley

Survey Sampling, Kish, L., Wiley


Copyright Cardiff University. Registered charity no. 1136855