Learn through real-world case studies, hands-on examples, and interactive exercises based on household and labour force survey applications.
Develop the skills to design effective samples, apply appropriate weighting methods, and produce reliable statistical estimates using international best practices.
Explore methodologies widely used by national statistical offices and gain insights directly applicable to the production of labour and household survey data.
Collecting information from every individual in a population can be both time-intensive and costly. Sampling offers a practical and efficient alternative by allowing researchers to study a representative subset of a population and use the findings to draw reliable conclusions about the whole. Through statistical techniques, sample data can be used to estimate population characteristics, such as averages, proportions, and relationships between variables. Sampling plays a vital role in generating the information needed to understand economic, social, and scientific phenomena. It provides a robust foundation for estimating unknown values, evaluating trends, and testing hypotheses, while ensuring that data collection efforts remain cost-effective and manageable. By focusing resources on a carefully selected sample, organizations can achieve high-quality results without the need for a full population census. A key advantage of probability sampling is its ability to produce not only accurate estimates but also measures of their precision, such as margins of error. This enables researchers and decision-makers to assess the reliability of their findings and supports the widespread use of probability sampling as a trusted and objective tool for statistical analysis. The ILO Department of Research and Statistics, in collaboration with the ITCILO, is proud to offer the online course "Sampling Design and Weighting", designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to develop effective sampling strategies and produce reliable statistical estimates.
This course is intended for participants with a basic understanding of statistics and probability. Participants should also be comfortable running statistical procedures using syntax-based software, such as Stata (do-files), SPSS (syntax files), R (scripts), SAS (program files), or similar tools, with special emphasis on R. In particular, this course is designed for: - Statisticians and survey practitioners working in national statistical offices. - Professionals involved in the design and implementation of household survey samples. - Analysts and researchers seeking to strengthen their knowledge of sampling design and weighting methodologies.
The main objective of this course is to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of ILO constituents and social partners to design and implement household surveys, and to process sample data in line with internationally recognized methodological best practices.
Participants will gain practical insights into a wide range of sampling and weighting techniques, including their advantages, limitations, and appropriate applications. The course also examines the connection between sampling design, weighting, and overall survey design, with a special focus on Labour Force Surveys (LFS). the primary source of official labour statistics in countries around the world.
By the end of the course, participants will be better equipped to design robust survey samples, apply appropriate weighting methods, and produce high-quality, reliable statistical estimates.
The course adopts an interactive and practice-oriented learning approach, combining theoretical concepts with real-world applications. Participants will engage with case studies, practical examples, and best practices drawn from actual survey implementation experiences. Through hands-on exercises and applied scenarios, the course will help learners develop the skills needed to design effective samples, apply appropriate weighting techniques, and address common challenges encountered in household and labour force surveys.