Sampling for Population Inference
This class introduces sampling for population inference. We will think about
- How would you design a sample to estimate unemployment?
- Who would you survey?
- What mode of data collection?
- Mail, phone, web, in person, etc.
- What if people didn’t respond?
- How to get a high-quality sample while minimizing costs?
Then, we will discuss the Current Population Survey, which is the official instrument for estimating the unemployment rate in the U.S.
Accessing data
We will access data through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS). The first dataset we will use is IPUMS-CPS.
During class, we will all register for data access.