How to Estimate Sampling Errors
Since estimates from the Race and Ethnicity Supplement
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 over all possible samples of the differences between the sample
estimates and the desired value.)
Several examples of how to estimate sampling errors for the 1995
Race and Ethnicity Supplement
Source and Accuracy Statement.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Author: Francia McDaniel-Census/DSD/CPSB
Contact: (ask.census.gov) CPS Help-Census/DSD/CPSB
Last revised: July 16, 1997
URL: http://www.bls.census.gov/cps/racethn/1995/ssamperr.htm
1995 Race and Ethnicity - Making Estimates Page
CPS Main Page