Considerations for Selection and Release of Reserve Samples for In-Person Surveys

• Activity Number: 304
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Survey Research Methods Section
• Author(s): Lin Li*+ and Leyla Mohadjer and Thomas Krenzke
• Companies: Westat and Westat and Westat
• Keywords: replicate samples ; sample design ; sample selection ; sample monitoring

Abstract

Especially in designing the samples for first-time surveys, there is uncertainty about the response rates and eligibility rates. To address this uncertainty, a large sample may be initially selected, then randomly separated into a main sample and a reserve sample. In this cost-efficient approach, a reserve sample will be on hand for release if needed. In multi-stage samples there are options of drawing a reserve sample at different stages. This paper discusses the issues to consider when choosing the sampling stage for reserve samples and discusses options for drawing reserve samples at various stages. We also look at other issues related to the selection and release of reserve samples, such as the timing of selection and release, amount of release, etc.