Master samples with optimized panels

Articles and reports: 12-001-X202600100006
Description: We introduce a general framework for constructing master samples that preserve desirable design properties across panels. The core procedure is to order an initial probability sample. Since the final sequence must be robust to a uniform random rotation, we define and minimize an objective that aggregates panel-level performance across all possible circular panels. A final random rotation is applied to ensure design validity. The framework is flexible with respect to the choice of design criteria, such as spatial balance or marginal balance, and can be implemented efficiently using simulated annealing to obtain high-quality approximate solutions. By construction, the approach supports both positive and negative sample coordination for spatially balanced, marginally balanced, and doubly balanced samples. The method’s versatility is demonstrated through three applications: constructing a master sample with spatially balanced panels, marginally balanced panels, and doubly balanced panels.
Issue Number: 2026001
Author(s): Grafström, Anton
Main Product: Survey Methodology
Format Release date More information
HTML June 29, 2026
PDF June 29, 2026

Related information

Subjects and keywords

Subjects

Keywords