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1. Improvements to the Canadian Income Survey Methodology for the 2022 Reference Year
Articles and reports: 75F0002M2024005
Description: The Canadian Income Survey (CIS) has introduced improvements to the methods and data sources used to produce income and poverty estimates with the release of its 2022 reference year estimates. Foremost among these improvements is a significant increase in the sample size for a large subset of the CIS content. The weighting methodology was also improved and the target population of the CIS was changed from persons aged 16 years and over to persons aged 15 years and over. This paper describes the changes made and presents the approximate net result of these changes on the income estimates and data quality of the CIS using 2021 data. The changes described in this paper highlight the ways in which data quality has been improved while having little impact on key CIS estimates and trends.
Release date: 2024-04-26
2. Children born into vulnerability: Challenges encountered in a Quebec longitudinal survey Archived
Articles and reports: 11-522-X202200100010
Description: Growing Up in Québec is a longitudinal population survey that began in the spring of 2021 at the Institut de la statistique du Québec. Among the children targeted by this longitudinal follow-up, some will experience developmental difficulties at some point in their lives. Those same children often have characteristics associated with higher sample attrition (low-income family, parents with a low level of education). This article describes the two main challenges we encountered when trying to ensure sufficient representativeness of these children, in both the overall results and the subpopulation analyses.
Release date: 2024-03-25
3. Statistics Canada International Symposium Series: Proceedings
Journals and periodicals: 11-522-X
Description: Since 1984, an annual international symposium on methodological issues has been sponsored by Statistics Canada. Proceedings have been available since 1987.
Release date: 2024-03-25
4. Design-based conformal prediction
Articles and reports: 12-001-X202300200007
Description: Conformal prediction is an assumption-lean approach to generating distribution-free prediction intervals or sets, for nearly arbitrary predictive models, with guaranteed finite-sample coverage. Conformal methods are an active research topic in statistics and machine learning, but only recently have they been extended to non-exchangeable data. In this paper, we invite survey methodologists to begin using and contributing to conformal methods. We introduce how conformal prediction can be applied to data from several common complex sample survey designs, under a framework of design-based inference for a finite population, and we point out gaps where survey methodologists could fruitfully apply their expertise. Our simulations empirically bear out the theoretical guarantees of finite-sample coverage, and our real-data example demonstrates how conformal prediction can be applied to complex sample survey data in practice.
Release date: 2024-01-03
5. Improvements to the Canadian Income Survey Methodology for the 2021 Reference Year
Articles and reports: 75F0002M2023005
Description: The Canadian Income Survey (CIS) has introduced improvements to the methods and systems used to produce income estimates with the release of its 2021 reference year estimates. This paper describes the changes and presents the approximate net result of these changes on income estimates using data for 2019 and 2020. The changes described in this paper highlight the ways in which data quality has been improved while producing minimal impact on key CIS estimates and trends.
Release date: 2023-08-29
6. Multiple-frame surveys for a multiple-data-source world
Articles and reports: 12-001-X202100200008
Description:
Multiple-frame surveys, in which independent probability samples are selected from each of Q sampling frames, have long been used to improve coverage, to reduce costs, or to increase sample sizes for subpopulations of interest. Much of the theory has been developed assuming that (1) the union of the frames covers the population of interest, (2) a full-response probability sample is selected from each frame, (3) the variables of interest are measured in each sample with no measurement error, and (4) sufficient information exists to account for frame overlap when computing estimates. After reviewing design, estimation, and calibration for traditional multiple-frame surveys, I consider modifications of the assumptions that allow a multiple-frame structure to serve as an organizing principle for other data combination methods such as mass imputation, sample matching, small area estimation, and capture-recapture estimation. Finally, I discuss how results from multiple-frame survey research can be used when designing and evaluating data collection systems that integrate multiple sources of data.
Release date: 2022-01-06
7. Validation of the Food Security Module in the 2018 Longitudinal and International Study of Adults
Articles and reports: 89-648-X2020004
Description:
This technical report is intended to validate the Longitudinal and International Study of Adults (LISA) Wave 4 (2018) Food Security (FSC) module and provide recommendations for analytical use. Section 2 of this report provides an overview of the LISA data. Section 3 provides some background information of food security measures in national surveys and why it is significant in today's literature. Section 4 analyzes FSC data by presenting key descriptive statistics and logic checks using LISA methodology as well as outside researcher information. In section 5, certification validation was done by comparing other Canadian national surveys that have used the FSC module to the one used by LISA. Finally in section 6, key findings and their implications with regard to LISA are outlined.
Release date: 2020-11-02
8. 2019 Census Content Test: Design and methodology Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 98-20-00012020020
Description:
This fact sheet provides detailed insight into the design and methodology of the content test component of the 2019 Census Test. This test evaluated changes to the wording and flow of some questions, as well as the potential addition of new questions, to help determine the content of the 2021 Census of Population.

Release date: 2020-07-20
9. Census of Agriculture Content Consultation Report
Notices and consultations: 95-635-X
Description: To stay relevant, preparing for a new Census of Agriculture requires a thorough evaluation of data requirements. Before each census, Statistics Canada conducts consultations to solicit input and feedback on the Census of Agriculture's content. This report describes those consultations and the process that was followed to test and determine which topics could be potentially retained for the next census.
Release date: 2019-10-02
10. An assessment of accuracy improvement by adaptive survey design
Articles and reports: 12-001-X201900200008
Description:
High nonresponse occurs in many sample surveys today, including important surveys carried out by government statistical agencies. An adaptive data collection can be advantageous in those conditions: Lower nonresponse bias in survey estimates can be gained, up to a point, by producing a well-balanced set of respondents. Auxiliary variables serve a twofold purpose: Used in the estimation phase, through calibrated adjustment weighting, they reduce, but do not entirely remove, the bias. In the preceding adaptive data collection phase, auxiliary variables also play a major role: They are instrumental in reducing the imbalance in the ultimate set of respondents. For such combined use of auxiliary variables, the deviation of the calibrated estimate from the unbiased estimate (under full response) is studied in the article. We show that this deviation is a sum of two components. The reducible component can be decreased through adaptive data collection, all the way to zero if perfectly balanced response is realized with respect to a chosen auxiliary vector. By contrast, the resisting component changes little or not at all by a better balanced response; it represents a part of the deviation that adaptive design does not get rid of. The relative size of the former component is an indicator of the potential payoff from an adaptive survey design.
Release date: 2019-06-27

Data (1)

Data (1) ((1 result))

1. The Cost of Independence: Socio-economic Profiles of Independent Truck Drivers Archived
Table: 53F0002X
Description:
Nearly 50,000 or one in five (22%) Canadian truck drivers on the road in 1998 were independent truckers or "owner-operators". However, similar to other forms of self-employment, the net-earnings and socio-economic characteristics of owner-operators have often been ignored by researchers for reasons of analytical convenience or data limitations. New data products recently released by Statistics Canada such as the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics (SLID) have the potential to fill much of this gap. The 1997 SLID cross-sectional micro-data files offer a limited but meaningful insight into the work patterns of the owner-operator population, complementing and validating well-established business surveys such as the annual Small for-hire carrier and Owner-operator Survey (SFO). The purpose of this study, through a multivariate analysis of the 1997 SLID and the 1997 SFO survey, was to compare the work patterns and backgrounds of owner-operators to company drivers (paid truck drivers employed by carriers). The study found that while drivers may choose to be self-employed to gain independence, owner-operators tend to work longer hours to meet fixed and variable costs, in return for lower after-tax earnings and a greater likelihood of high work-life stress. The analysis also found that the odds of self-employment among truckers were highest among drivers over 40 years of age with no post-secondary training.
Release date: 2000-06-07

Analysis (195)

Analysis (195) (30 to 40 of 195 results)

31. Design for estimation: Identifying auxiliary vectors to reduce nonresponse bias Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X201000211376
Description:
This article develops computational tools, called indicators, for judging the effectiveness of the auxiliary information used to control nonresponse bias in survey estimates, obtained in this article by calibration. This work is motivated by the survey environment in a number of countries, notably in northern Europe, where many potential auxiliary variables are derived from reliable administrative registers for household and individuals. Many auxiliary vectors can be composed. There is a need to compare these vectors to assess their potential for reducing bias. The indicators in this article are designed to meet that need. They are used in surveys at Statistics Sweden. General survey conditions are considered: There is probability sampling from the finite population, by an arbitrary sampling design; nonresponse occurs. The probability of inclusion in the sample is known for each population unit; the probability of response is unknown, causing bias. The study variable (the y-variable) is observed for the set of respondents only. No matter what auxiliary vector is used in a calibration estimator (or in any other estimation method), a residual bias will always remain. The choice of a "best possible" auxiliary vector is guided by the indicators proposed in the article. Their background and computational features are described in the early sections of the article. Their theoretical background is explained. The concluding sections are devoted to empirical studies. One of these illustrates the selection of auxiliary variables in a survey at Statistics Sweden. A second empirical illustration is a simulation with a constructed finite population; a number of potential auxiliary vectors are ranked in order of preference with the aid of the indicators.
Release date: 2010-12-21
32. Collecting data for poverty and vulnerability assessment in remote areas in Sub-Saharan Africa Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X201000211383
Description:
Data collection for poverty assessments in Africa is time consuming, expensive and can be subject to numerous constraints. In this paper we present a procedure to collect data from poor households involved in small-scale inland fisheries as well as agricultural activities. A sampling scheme has been developed that captures the heterogeneity in ecological conditions and the seasonality of livelihood options. Sampling includes a three point panel survey of 300 households. The respondents belong to four different ethnic groups randomly chosen from three strata, each representing a different ecological zone. In the first part of the paper some background information is given on the objectives of the research, the study site and survey design, which were guiding the data collection process. The second part of the paper discusses the typical constraints that are hampering empirical work in Sub-Saharan Africa, and shows how different challenges have been resolved. These lessons could guide researchers in designing appropriate socio-economic surveys in comparable settings.
Release date: 2010-12-21
33. Survey Methods and Practices
Journals and periodicals: 12-587-X
Description:
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:
-how to plan and manage a survey;-how to formulate the survey objectives and design a questionnaire; -things to consider when determining a sample design (choosing between a sample or a census, defining the survey population, choosing a survey frame, identifying possible sources of survey error); -choosing a method of collection (self-enumeration, personal interviews or telephone interviews; computer-assisted versus paper-based questionnaires); -organizing and conducting data collection operations;-determining the sample size, allocating the sample across strata and selecting the sample; -methods of point estimation and variance estimation, and data analysis; -the use of administrative data, particularly during the design and estimation phases-how to process the data (which consists of all data handling activities between collection and estimation) and use quality control and quality assurance measures to minimize and control errors during various survey steps; and-disclosure control and data dissemination.
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. This publication was previously only available in print format and originally published in 2003.
Release date: 2010-09-27
34. Gross flow estimation in dual frame surveys Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X201000111248
Description:
Gross flows are often used to study transitions in employment status or other categorical variables among individuals in a population. Dual frame longitudinal surveys, in which independent samples are selected from two frames to decrease survey costs or improve coverage, can present challenges for efficient and consistent estimation of gross flows because of complex designs and missing data in either or both samples. We propose estimators of gross flows in dual frame surveys and examine their asymptotic properties. We then estimate transitions in employment status using data from the Current Population Survey and the Survey of Income and Program Participation.
Release date: 2010-06-29
35. Small area population prediction via hierarchical models Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X200900211042
Description:
This paper proposes an approach for small area prediction based on data obtained from periodic surveys and censuses. We apply our approach to obtain population predictions for the municipalities not sampled in the Brazilian annual Household Survey (PNAD), as well as to increase the precision of the design-based estimates obtained for the sampled municipalities. In addition to the data provided by the PNAD, we use census demographic data from 1991 and 2000, as well as a complete population count conducted in 1996. Hierarchically non-structured and spatially structured growth models that gain strength from all the sampled municipalities are proposed and compared.
Release date: 2009-12-23
36. Rescaled bootstrap for stratified multistage sampling Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X200900211044
Description:
In large scaled sample surveys it is common practice to employ stratified multistage designs where units are selected using simple random sampling without replacement at each stage. Variance estimation for these types of designs can be quite cumbersome to implement, particularly for non-linear estimators. Various bootstrap methods for variance estimation have been proposed, but most of these are restricted to single-stage designs or two-stage cluster designs. An extension of the rescaled bootstrap method (Rao and Wu 1988) to stratified multistage designs is proposed which can easily be extended to any number of stages. The proposed method is suitable for a wide range of reweighting techniques, including the general class of calibration estimators. A Monte Carlo simulation study was conducted to examine the performance of the proposed multistage rescaled bootstrap variance estimator.
Release date: 2009-12-23
37. Use of within-primary-sample-unit variances to assess the stability of a standard design-based variance estimator Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X200900211045
Description:
In analysis of sample survey data, degrees-of-freedom quantities are often used to assess the stability of design-based variance estimators. For example, these degrees-of-freedom values are used in construction of confidence intervals based on t distribution approximations; and of related t tests. In addition, a small degrees-of-freedom term provides a qualitative indication of the possible limitations of a given variance estimator in a specific application. Degrees-of-freedom calculations sometimes are based on forms of the Satterthwaite approximation. These Satterthwaite-based calculations depend primarily on the relative magnitudes of stratum-level variances. However, for designs involving a small number of primary units selected per stratum, standard stratum-level variance estimators provide limited information on the true stratum variances. For such cases, customary Satterthwaite-based calculations can be problematic, especially in analyses for subpopulations that are concentrated in a relatively small number of strata. To address this problem, this paper uses estimated within-primary-sample-unit (within PSU) variances to provide auxiliary information regarding the relative magnitudes of the overall stratum-level variances. Analytic results indicate that the resulting degrees-of-freedom estimator will be better than modified Satterthwaite-type estimators provided: (a) the overall stratum-level variances are approximately proportional to the corresponding within-stratum variances; and (b) the variances of the within-PSU variance estimators are relatively small. In addition, this paper develops errors-in-variables methods that can be used to check conditions (a) and (b) empirically. For these model checks, we develop simulation-based reference distributions, which differ substantially from reference distributions based on customary large-sample normal approximations. The proposed methods are applied to four variables from the U.S. Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).
Release date: 2009-12-23
38. In this issue (Vol. 35, no. 2) Archived
Articles and reports: 12-001-X200900211056
Description:
In this Issue is a column where the Editor biefly presents each paper of the current issue of Survey Methodology. As well, it sometimes contain informations on structure or management changes in the journal.
Release date: 2009-12-23
39. Opening remarks of the Symposium 2008: Data Collection: Challenges, Achievements and New Directions Archived
Articles and reports: 11-522-X200800010920
Description:
On behalf of Statistics Canada, I would like to welcome you all, friends and colleagues, to Symposium 2008. This the 24th International Symposium organized by Statistics Canada on survey methodology.
Release date: 2009-12-03
40. The organisation of collection functions at Statistics New Zealand Archived
Articles and reports: 11-522-X200800010941
Description:
Prior to 2004, the design and development of collection functions at Statistics New Zealand (Statistics NZ) was done by a centralised team of data collection methodologists. In 2004, an organisational review considered whether the design and development of these functions was being done in the most effective way. A key issue was the rising costs of surveying as the organisation moved from paper-based data collection to electronic data collection. The review saw some collection functions decentralised. However, a smaller centralised team of data collection methodologists was retained to work with subject matter areas across Statistics NZ.
This paper will discuss the strategy used by the smaller centralised team of data collection methodologists to support subject matter areas. There are three key themes to the strategy. First, is the development of best practice standards and a central standards repository. Second, is training and introducing knowledge sharing forums. Third, is providing advice and independent review to subject matter areas which design and develop collection instruments.
Release date: 2009-12-03

Reference (30)

Reference (30) (0 to 10 of 30 results)

1. 2019 Census Content Test: Design and methodology Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 98-20-00012020020
Description:
This fact sheet provides detailed insight into the design and methodology of the content test component of the 2019 Census Test. This test evaluated changes to the wording and flow of some questions, as well as the potential addition of new questions, to help determine the content of the 2021 Census of Population.

Release date: 2020-07-20
2. Census of Agriculture Content Consultation Report
Notices and consultations: 95-635-X
Description: To stay relevant, preparing for a new Census of Agriculture requires a thorough evaluation of data requirements. Before each census, Statistics Canada conducts consultations to solicit input and feedback on the Census of Agriculture's content. This report describes those consultations and the process that was followed to test and determine which topics could be potentially retained for the next census.
Release date: 2019-10-02
3. History of the Canadian Labour Force Survey, 1945 to 2016 Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 75-005-M2016001
Description:
In over 70 years, the methodology and questionnaire, as well as the collection and processing techniques of the Canadian Labour Force Survey have undergone major changes. This document summarizes these changes chronologically and provides references to more detailed information sources. Among the most significant changes were two questionnaire redesigns, which occurred approximately 20 years apart, in 1976 and 1997.
Release date: 2017-01-06
4. 2016 Census Program Content Test: Design and Results
Notices and consultations: 92-140-X2016001
Description:
The 2016 Census Program Content Test was conducted from May 2 to June 30, 2014. The Test was designed to assess the impact of any proposed content changes to the 2016 Census Program and to measure the impact of including a social insurance number (SIN) question on the data quality.
This quantitative test used a split-panel design involving 55,000 dwellings, divided into 11 panels of 5,000 dwellings each: five panels were dedicated to the Content Test while the remaining six panels were for the SIN Test. Two models of test questionnaires were developed to meet the objectives, namely a model with all the proposed changes EXCEPT the SIN question and a model with all the proposed changes INCLUDING the SIN question. A third model of 'control' questionnaire with the 2011 content was also developed. The population living in a private dwelling in mail-out areas in one of the ten provinces was targeted for the test. Paper and electronic response channels were part of the Test as well.
This report presents the Test objectives, the design and a summary of the analysis in order to determine potential content for the 2016 Census Program. Results from the data analysis of the Test were not the only elements used to determine the content for 2016. Other elements were also considered, such as response burden, comparison over time and users’ needs.
Release date: 2016-04-01
5. Census Test: Content Analysis Report
Notices and consultations: 92-140-X
Description:
Before each Census of Population, Statistics Canada carries out a three- to four-year process to review the content of the census questionnaires in consultation with census data users, performing tests and developing questionnaire content to ensure that it takes into account the evolution of Canadian society. Factors considered in developing the content include legislative requirements regarding information, program and policy requirements; the burden placed on respondents to respond to questions; concerns about privacy; feedback from consultations and tests; data quality; costs and operational considerations; the comparability of data with earlier data and the availability of alternative data sources. Before each census, Statistics Canada tests the questionnaire content through an extensive test. The content report presents the analyses conducted from the data collected from this test and the results that are used to fine tune the questionnaires, the methodology and the systems used for the Census Program.

Release date: 2016-04-01
6. A New Survey Measure of Disability: the Disability Screening Questions (DSQ) Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 89-654-X2016003
Description:
This paper describes the process that led to the creation of the new Disability Screening Questions (DSQ), jointly developped by Statistics Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada. The DSQ form a new module which can be put on general population surveys to allow comparisons of persons with and without a disability. The paper explains why there are two versions of the DSQ—a long and a short one—, the difference between the two, and how each version can be used.
Release date: 2016-02-29
7. Revisions to 2006 to 2011 income data Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 75F0002M2015003
Description:
This note discusses revised income estimates from the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics (SLID). These revisions to the SLID estimates make it possible to compare results from the Canadian Income Survey (CIS) to earlier years. The revisions address the issue of methodology differences between SLID and CIS.
Release date: 2015-12-17
8. 2011 Workplace Survey – Summary and Lessons Learned Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 75-005-M2015001
Description:
Using the experimental Workplace Survey conducted in 2011, this technical document summarizes the main results and evaluates the quality of the data.
Release date: 2015-04-28
9. National Household Survey User Guide, 2011 Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 99-001-X2011001
Description:
The National Household Survey User Guide is a reference document that describes the various phases of the National Household Survey (NHS). It provides an overview of the 2011 NHS content, sampling design and collection, data processing, data quality assessment and data dissemination. The National Household Survey User Guide may be useful to both new and experienced users who wish to familiarize themselves with and find specific information about the 2011 NHS.
Release date: 2013-05-08
10. User's Guide for Cross-Sectional Public-Use Microdata File: Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics (SLID) [2007] Archived
Surveys and statistical programs – Documentation: 75F0002M2010001
Description:
This series provides detailed documentation on income developments, including survey design issues, data quality evaluation and exploratory research for the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics in 2007
Release date: 2010-03-02

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