Sampling

Abstract

This class introduces the basic issues concerned with collecting information. The problem of making a valid inference about a population based on information obtained in a sample will be the main focus. For this inference to be valid, the sample needs to be representative. Though this sounds like common sense, subtle biases often creep in when sampling is done. When this is the case, the inference may be very misleading. We will discuss some of these biases and explain sampling methods designed to avoid bias.