Issues in Analysis of Complex Sample Survey Data

This 2-half day workshop will provide participants with an introductory overview of issues frequently encountered when conducting secondary analyses of data collected from sample surveys with complex multi-stage designs (e.g. PSID, NHANES, NHIS, MEPS), including design-based weight determination, software choice, and proper analysis methods.  The workshop is not intended for participants looking to design a survey, but rather for participants who have a desire to analyze complex sample survey data.  Topics to be covered include:

• Recognizing a sample with a complex design
• Calculation of sample weights based on sample designs / non-response / post-stratification
• Calculation of new weights for subgroups / longitudinal analyses
• Weighted vs. unweighted analyses
• Calculation of correct confidence intervals for sample estimates
• Hypothesis Testing based on sample estimates
• Design Effects
• Software packages capable of complex sample survey data analysis
• Common analysis methods (linear modeling, descriptive statistics), interpretation of results
• Approaches to handling missing data
• Examples using real survey data