Overcoming Challenges to Sample Design in Iraq

• Activity Number: 427
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 2, 2011 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Survey Research Methods
• Author(s): David Peng*+
• Companies: D3 Systems, Inc.
• Keywords: Sampling ; Iraq ; Post-conflict ; Satellite ; International

Abstract

Iraq is an extremely difficult environment for conducting survey research. Security concerns coupled with the lack of recent census population parameters present difficult challenges to sample design. Obviously, there is a need for accurate sampling in Iraq as policy-makers and analysts attempt to shape Iraq's future. D3 Systems is currently exploring innovative approaches in sample design and implementation to overcome these challenges in Iraq.

Currently, D3 uses the statistical data from a 2005 study conducted by the Iraqi Central Statistical Office (CSO) of the Iraqi Ministry of Planning as the base population framework for its national surveys of Iraq. In the absence of a new census, these estimates from 2005 are widely accepted as the best source of data for the distribution of survey respondents.

However, the lack of up-to-date, consistent, verifiable sample frame raises issues about the representativeness of any sample.

D3 proposes a new sample design that incorporates the use of satellite imagery technology. This technology, combined with ground-level knowledge, is used to map Iraq beyond the country's 18 provinces, 102 districts, and 232 sub-districts.