SC971-7-AU-CO:
Survey Sampling, Non-Response and Inference
2023/24
Sociology and Criminology
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
20
26 May 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MSC L31012 Survey Methods for Social Research,
MSC L310MO Survey Methods for Social Research
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 focusses 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 emphasising the importance of understanding the practical constraints within which these issues must be dealt with.
The aim of the 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.
Specifically, the objectives are that by the end of the course the student should possess the knowledge and skills to be able to:
- Understand and critique the sample design of any survey;
- Develop a sample design for a survey with stated objectives;
- Estimate standard errors that take sample design into account;
- Propose methods to maximise response rates to surveys of different types, within constraints;
- Understand the range of analysis methods available to adjust for non-response;
- Calculate and apply non-response adjustment weights.
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
Most modules at postgraduate level in Sociology are taught as a 2hr seminar. Most classes, labs and seminars will be taught face-to-face (assuming social distancing allows this). There may also be some online activities – either timetabled as a live online session or available on Moodle in the form of pre-recorded videos. You will be expected to watch this material and engage with any suggested activities before your seminar/class each week.
Please note that you should be spending up to ten hours per week undertaking your own private study (reading, preparing for classes or assignments, etc.) on each of your modules (e.g. 30 hours in total for three 20--credit modules).
This module SC971 will include a range of activities to help you and your teachers to check your understanding and progress. These may include answering questions during lectures, completing short ungraded assignments posted on Moodle, discussion of these assignments during class, and active participation in questions during lectures.
You are strongly encouraged to attend the classes/seminars as they provide an opportunity to talk with your class teacher and other students. The classes/seminars will be captured and available via Listen Again. However, if you want to gain the most you can from these seminars/classes it is very important that you attend and engage. Please note that the recording of seminars/classes is at the discretion of the teacher.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1 |
|
50% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 |
|
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
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Olena Kaminska, email: olena@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Olena Kaminska
socpgtad@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
Yes
Prof Benjamin Bradford
University College London
Professor
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (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.
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