Survey Methods and Practices

Survey Methods and Practices

Author: Statistics Canada

Publisher:

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 416

ISBN-13:

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This publication shows readers how to design and conduct a census or sample survey. It explains basic survey concepts and provides information on how to create efficient and high quality surveys. It is aimed at those involved in planning, conducting or managing a survey and at students of survey design courses. This book contains the following information: formulating the survey objectives and design a questionnaire; things to consider when designing a survey (choosing between a sample or a census, defining the survey population, choosing which survey frame to use, possible sources of survey error); determining the sample size, allocate the sample across strata and select the sample; appropriate uses of survey data and methods of point and variance estimation in data analysis; data dissemination and disclosure control; using administrative data, particularly during the design and estimation phases; choosing a collection method (self-enumeration, personal interview or telephone interview, computer-assisted versus paper-based questionnaires); organizing and conducting data collection operations; processing data (all data handling activities between collection and estimation) and using quality control and quality assurance measures to minimize and control errors during various survey steps; and planning and managing a survey. This publication also includes a case study that illustrates the steps in developing a household survey, using the methods and principles presented in the book.


Profile of Canada's Seniors

Profile of Canada's Seniors

Author: Joseph A. Norland

Publisher: Scarborough, Ont. : Prentice-Hall

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13:

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Who are Canada's senior citizens? This report provides comprehensive information on this growing segment of our population. The composition and changes in the group are presented by age, sex, marital status, education, employment, and income. Special attention is given to living arrangements, including those of people who are institutionalized or living alone. The final chapter looks to the future, identifying the health promotion movement and the kind of services our seniors will require.


The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence

The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1996-12-12

Total Pages: 270

ISBN-13: 0309134404

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In 1992 the National Research Council issued DNA Technology in Forensic Science, a book that documented the state of the art in this emerging field. Recently, this volume was brought to worldwide attention in the murder trial of celebrity O. J. Simpson. The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence reports on developments in population genetics and statistics since the original volume was published. The committee comments on statements in the original book that proved controversial or that have been misapplied in the courts. This volume offers recommendations for handling DNA samples, performing calculations, and other aspects of using DNA as a forensic toolâ€"modifying some recommendations presented in the 1992 volume. The update addresses two major areas: Determination of DNA profiles. The committee considers how laboratory errors (particularly false matches) can arise, how errors might be reduced, and how to take into account the fact that the error rate can never be reduced to zero. Interpretation of a finding that the DNA profile of a suspect or victim matches the evidence DNA. The committee addresses controversies in population genetics, exploring the problems that arise from the mixture of groups and subgroups in the American population and how this substructure can be accounted for in calculating frequencies. This volume examines statistical issues in interpreting frequencies as probabilities, including adjustments when a suspect is found through a database search. The committee includes a detailed discussion of what its recommendations would mean in the courtroom, with numerous case citations. By resolving several remaining issues in the evaluation of this increasingly important area of forensic evidence, this technical update will be important to forensic scientists and population geneticistsâ€"and helpful to attorneys, judges, and others who need to understand DNA and the law. Anyone working in laboratories and in the courts or anyone studying this issue should own this book.


Profiling Canada's Families

Profiling Canada's Families

Author: Vanier Institute of the Family

Publisher:

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13:

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This report identifies significant trends and forces affecting Canada's families and the changes they are undergoing. Following an introductory section, which discusses what families are and what they do, the report consists of 14 tables and 82 charts of family-related information accompanied by written explanations of the numbers and trends. Sidebars on most pages present quotations relevant to the information on that page. Topics covered include: (1) family numbers; (2) ethnic, religious, age, and gender makeup; (3) marriage, divorce, and birth rates; (4) career, economic, and child care issues; (5) gender roles; (6) family time management; and (7) family relationships. A closing section examines troubled families, in particular those where abuse is present. Contains 264 references. (MDM)