Sample Design and Survey Design

Sample design refers to the methods to be followed in selecting sample from the target population and the estimation technique vis-à-vis formula for computing the sample statistics. These statistics are the estimates used to infer the population parameters.


Implicit in the concept, the sampling design also includes such issues as the choice of the sampling frame, determination of the size of the sample, estimation of reliability of the estimates, stratification procedure, sampling allocation method, clustering of the sample etc.

Survey design is the process of preparing a complete plan of operations to be followed in conducting a survey and disseminating its intended results. Specially, it includes among others decision on such factors as variable to be included in the survey (called survey variables), the method of data collection (whether by direct interview, telephone interview, or self administrated questionnaire), construction of questionnaire, organizing fieldwork, management of non-sampling error, data processing and data analysis. It seems obvious that the survey objectives covered under survey design determine the sample design and in practice, the sample design must be developed as an integral part of the overall survey design. Survey design and sample design are thus the two interrelated concepts and one is complementary to the other.