Introducing: Sampling & Weighting at DHS
In my travels as a DHS sampling statistician, I have met countless people who want to hear about the sampling techniques and procedures we use in DHS surveys. Recognizing this fact, we are working to incorporate more sampling-related capacity strengthening activities at The DHS Program. The feedback we get after these activities has only encouraged us to produce more learning tools highlighting basic sampling-related concepts and topics used in DHS surveys.
2012 Tajikistan DHS
We created a 4-part video series (the next two will be coming within the year) designed to introduce DHS sampling concepts, two of which were launched around World Development Information Day. In the videos, we present the sampling design and procedures used in the 2012 Tajikistan DHS survey as an example of sampling procedures in DHS surveys.
The first video, Introduction to DHS Sampling Procedures, explains the basic concepts of sampling, introduces the stages of designing a sample in a DHS survey, and discusses the key factors to consider when calculating sample sizes for a DHS survey.
The second video, Introduction of Principles of DHS Sampling Weights, introduces the concept of weighting survey data. You will understand the goals and the importance of weighting as well as the concepts of over- and under-sampling.
Both videos introduce you to the basic sampling definitions, concepts, and procedures followed in a standard DHS survey. If you are interested in more information about the sampling procedures in the DHS surveys, you can check out the DHS Sampling and Household Listing Manual. If you have more questions, check out the user forum!
What did you learn from the sampling & weighting videos? What would you like to explore further? Comment below!
