SC971-7-AU-CO:
Survey Sampling, Non-Response and Inference

The details
2025/26
Sociology and Criminology
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 02 October 2025
Friday 12 December 2025
20
08 February 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MSC L31012 Survey Methods for Social Research,
MSC L310MO Survey Methods for Social Research

Module description

The composition of a survey sample has an important influence on the accuracy of survey results. This is determined by the sample design and by which sample members participate and provide data. This module focuses firstly on how best the processes of sample design and nonresponse can be controlled in a diverse range of practical situations and, secondly, on how to take sample design and nonresponse into account when analysing survey data.


The module focuses particularly on the statistical aspects of survey design and implementation, but emphasises the importance of understanding the practical constraints within which these issues must be dealt with.

Module aims

The aim of this module is:



  • To provide the student with a good understanding of all the key aspects of survey sample design, survey design to minimise non-response, and analysis methods to adjust for non-response.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Understand and critique the sample design of any survey.

  2. Develop a sample design for a survey with stated objectives.

  3. Estimate standard errors that take sample design into account.

  4. Propose methods to maximise response rates to surveys of different types, within constraints.

  5. Understand the range of analysis methods available to adjust for non-response.

  6. Calculate and apply non-response adjustment weights.

Module information

Indicative Outline of Topics



  • Survey sampling principles and practice.

  • Stratified sampling and multi-stage sampling.

  • Sampling methods in practice.

  • Estimation with complex samples.

  • Introduction to survey nonresponse.

  • How to minimise non-contacts, refusals and item non-response.

  • Responsive and tailored design.

  • Weighting for nonresponse.

  • The future of survey sampling.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • One 2-hour seminar each week.

Attendance in person is expected.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Assignment 1  05/12/2025  50% 
Coursework   Assignment 2  16/01/2026  50% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Olena Kaminska, email: olena@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Olena Kaminska
socpgtad@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
No
Yes

External examiner

Mr Paul Stoneman
Goldsmiths College, University of London
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 8 hours, 8 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Sociology and Criminology

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