A jack knife is a pocket knife that is put to many tasks, because it's ready to hand. Often there could be a better tool for the job, such as a screwdriver, a scraper, or a can-opener, but these are not usually pocket items. In statistical terms, the expression implies making do with what's available. Another simile, of an extreme situation, is…

Examines the undercount problem in the 1990 census, the ways in which the Census Bureau has dealt with it in the past, and the Bureau's plans to avoid future undercounts. It also discusses the statistical concept of dual systems estimation in census counting as a means of lessening an undercount. (GR)

This paper provides a framework for developing sampling designs in mixed methods research. First, we present sampling schemes that have been associated with quantitative and qualitative research. Second, we discuss sample size considerations and provide sample size recommendations for each of the major research designs for quantitative and…

Describes the role and function of the census and discusses census taking and decision making about "counting" from two perspectives: the Supreme Court decision in Wisconsin vs New York, and the Census Bureau's current plans for the year 2000. Concluding comments explore the lessons learned from the 1990 census and the effect on the 2000…

The vocabulary of sampling is examined in order to provide a clear understanding of basic sampling concepts. The basic vocabulary of sampling (population, probability sampling, precision and bias, stratification), the fundamental grammar of sampling (random sample), sample size and response rate, and cluster, multiphase, snowball, and panel…

Statistical quality control--SQC (consisting of Statistical Process Control, Process Capability Studies, Acceptance Sampling and Design of Experiments) is a very important tool to obtain, maintain and improve the Quality level of goods and services produced by an organization. Despite its importance, and the fact that it is taught in technical and…