Survey Methodology
Comparing two common approaches to within-household sampling: A field experiment in Costa Rica

by Noam Lupu, J. Daniel Montalvo, Mitchell A. Seligson, Elizabeth J. Zechmeister and Kirill ZhirkovNote 1

  • Release date: June 29, 2026
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Abstract

We test the notion that a quasi-probabilistic method of selecting individuals within households (last birthday, LB) draws in a different sample compared to a non-probabilistic approach that selects respondents according to known parameters on age and gender (frequency matching, FM). With data from an original field experiment, we evaluate fieldwork efficiency (time and completed cases), economy (cost), success in recruiting a representative sample, and differences across a set of attitudinal and behavioral measures. We find that the FM approach performs better on efficiency and cost and achieves a comparable sample; importantly, this compa­rability extends across measures of personality traits and public opinion. With appropriate caveats, we conclude that researchers’ choice of selection methods should be guided by both theoretical benefits and practical tradeoffs.

Key Words: Developing countries; Frequency matching; Last birthday; Respondent selection; Sampling; Survey design.

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How to cite

Lupu, N., Montalvo, J.D., Seligson, M.A., Zechmeister, E.J. and Zhirkov, K. (2026). Comparing two common approaches to within-household sampling: A field experiment in Costa Rica. Survey Methodology, 52(1), 213-234. Available at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/12-001-x/2026001/article/00004-eng.pdf.

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ISSN : 1492-0921

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Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2026

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Catalogue No. 12-001-X

Frequency: Semi-annual

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