Bio Stat 617
Bio Stat 617
Bio Stat 617
Email: wdem@umich.edu
Textbook:
• Required: Cochran, W.G. (1977). Sampling Techniques, 3rd ed., Wiley: New York.
• Optional: Lohr, S.L. (2010). Sampling: Design and Analysis, 2nd ed., Brooks-Cole: Boston.
• References: Kish, L. (1965). Survey Sampling, Wiley: New York. Thompson S.K. (2012).
Sampling, 3rd ed, Wiley: New York. Fuller, W.A. (2009). Sampling Statistics, Wiley: New
York.
Course Description: This course focuses on the theory underlying sample designs and estimation
procedures commonly used in survey practice. Theory will be made concrete by exploring its
application to national surveys such as Pew opinion polls and the National Survey of Family Growth
(NSFG).
Course Objectives: Methods and Theory of Sample Design is concerned with the theory un-
derlying the widely used practical methods of survey sampling. It covers the basic techniques
of simple random sampling, stratification, systematic sampling, cluster and multi-stage sampling,
and probability proportional to size sampling; methods of variance estimation for complex sample
designs, including the Taylor series expansion method, balanced repeated replications, and jack-
knife methods; and several specialized topics, including stratification and subclasses, multi-phase
or double sampling, ratio and regression estimation, selection with unequal probabilities without
replacement, non-response adjustments, dual frame sampling, and respondent driven sampling. The
course examines the the techniques, practical applications, and the theory supporting the methods
Grading: There will be two open-book open-notes in-class examinations, a mid-term and a final.
Each cover all material discussed previously in the course. Students are advised to bring a calculator
to the examinations; laptops and smartphones will not be allowed. Grading will be as follows:
• 10% Diary
• 30% Homework
Weeks when homework is not due, you will be asked to submit a survey sampling diary (a special
case of a statistics diary). This idea comes from Andrew Gelman. The idea is to start a text/Word
file and add to it every 2-3 days. The entries can be anything related to survey sampling. As
Gelman puts it:
“They can be short slice-of-life observations (‘[...] Is it really true that people are less happy
on Monday? How to measure this in a survey?), quick questions (‘Attitudes toward recre-
ational drugs seem more permissive than in the past? Is this a real trend? If so, is it re-
cent or has it been gradually happening for decades?), research notes (‘Im comparing atti-
tudes about military intervention in several European countries. Do I have to be concerned
about question-wording effects in different languages?), or things youre working on, diffi-
cult problems that you might be stuck on, or have an insight about. You can write as little
or as much as you want each time. The only requirement is that you write something new
in it, every other day. Youre not allowed to go back a week later and fill in 3 entries at
once. That would be cheating. Do it two or three times a week. Just type it in to the file.”
• Before every class, you will have readings. These include research research articles, blog posts,
various other online materials, and chapters from the assigned books. Make sure you come to
class prepared!
• Each class will involve your active participation in class discussion. Also, bring your laptop
computer to class as we may do activities together in R.
• The course is somewhat lecture intensive. To break up lectures, we will start many classes
with discussion of real world datasets, specifically opinion polls or national surveys.
• The course is shared with the Joint Program in Survey Methodology at the University of
Maryland.
• Course materials are on the course web site, including lecture notes, homework problems, and
online readings. Students are responsible for printing copies for their own use.
While the majority of the lecture notes will be on-line, regular attendance at the course sessions
will be very helpful to grasp the principles and applications discussed. In the event that a class
must be missed due to an illness or other compelling reason, students must notify the instructor in
advance of the class. If a student is absent on days when exams are scheduled or homework due, the
student must make arrangements with the instructor in advance of the class session to reschedule
the exam or submit the homework later than the due date. Video recordings will be made of each
class for later viewing.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The University of Michigan School of Public Health seeks to
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civility code we will promote the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, both inside and outside
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