Survey Data Collection and Processing - Sampling Spatial Units for Agricultural Surveys - page 216

Chapter 9
Survey Data Collection and Processing

9.1 Introduction

Classic sampling theory textbooks do not devote a considerable amount of attention
to the necessary activities between designing the sample and estimating the param-
eters of the variables of interest.
This disconnect is mainly because the methods used for these activities are often
poorly developed. The only exception is data editing, which is often neglected or
considered to be at the edge of survey techniques. However, these phases of the
survey have a considerable impact on both the cost and quality of the results.
Data collection is typically the most expensive phase of a survey. Problems that
arise during this delicate step are very hard to correct in subsequent stages.
Therefore, it should be given a great deal of attention to this phase of the survey.
Unfortunately there is no golden rule for avoiding organizational disasters, but it is
possible to briefly describe the major aspects that must be controlled and give some
general suggestions. We should also note that these aspects are closely related to the
phenomena being analyzed, and to the individual countries or regions under
investigation.
This chapter presents the various activities that occur during data collection and
processing and how they should be organized and conducted. We mainly focus on
field-observation surveys, because these have particular operational requirements.
Most traditional organizational structures have a central office and a branch
hierarchy of local offices, each with their own tasks. Typically, the tasks become
more operational (i.e., non-management) the further one goes into the hierarchy
(corresponding to a different level of geographic aggregation). Moreover public
relations are important to gain respondent co-operation. The process requires pub-
licity campaigns and various tools such as introductory letters, survey brochures, and
materials. These must be provided in a form that can be used by newspapers, radio,
and television to produce interest in a survey and encourage respondent participation
(Statistics Canada 2009 ). Having a team of professional interviewers who are