How to Estimate Sampling Errors
Since estimates from the Annual Demographic Survey
come from a sample, they may differ from figures from a
complete census using the same questionnaires, instructions, and interviewers. A sample
survey estimate has two possible types of error: sampling and nonsampling. The accuracy of an estimate depends on both types of error, but the full extent of the
nonsampling error is unknown. Consequently, one should be particularly careful when
interpreting results based on a relatively small number of cases or on small differences
between estimates. The standard errors for CPS estimates primarily indicate the magnitude of sampling error. They also partially measure the effect of some nonsampling
errors in responses and enumeration, but do not measure systematic biases in the data.
(Bias is the average overall possible samples of the differences between the sample
estimates and the desired value.)
Several examples of how to estimate sampling errors for the 1995 Annual Demographic
Survey are given in the
Source and Accuracy Statement.
Author: Donna Kostanich-Census/DSMD/CPS
Contact: (ask.census.gov) CPS Help-Census/DSD/CPSB
Last modified: September 26, 1996
URL: http://www.bls.census.gov/cps/ads/1996/ssamperr.htm
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