Apple and Pear Growers (Survey of), Financial Year 1998/1999
Contents
H. Sample Design
H1 Sample design
What sample design will be used, eg stratified simple random sample? (H1)
Note. Should include the sample selection strategy, and, if the sample design is multi-stage or multi-phase (or both), the sample selection strategy used in each stage/phase.
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H2 Sample size
What is the total sample size and how has it been set? (H2)
Note. Should include any constraints that have been imposed (eg cost), and the target relative standard error (RSE) levels on selected data output items (if any) and reasons for choice.
220 growers will be surveyed. This is constrained by cost.
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H3 Sample stratification
What stratification has been used in the sample design? (H3)
Note. Should include: stratification variables; stratification boundaries (noting any strata which are completely enumerated); reasons stratification strategy adopted; and, if multi-stage/phase sampling is being used, report for each stage/phase.
Stratified by State of Australia (includes Qld, NSW, Vic, SA, Tas, WA). This will enable differences between the States to be highlighted. This information will be useful to the Horticulture Research and Development Corporation if future extension work is undertaken to increase adoption of IPM techniques.
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H4 Sample allocation
How has the sample been allocated to strata? (H4)
Note. Should include: allocation formulae (if used), and from where data referenced by formulae obtained; minimum and maximum stratum sample size constraints; reasons why the allocation strategy was adopted; and, if multi-stage/phase sampling is being used, report for each stage/phase.
Based upon production of apples and pears per State.
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H5 Respondent burden spread
What consideration has been given to ensuring respondent burden is spread evenly by controlling sample selection across surveys, or (for repeating surveys) over survey cycles? (H5)
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H6 Response rate
Of the total sample size reported in H2, how many units are expected to respond, and how many units are expected to be defunct (ie no longer in business) or out of scope? (H6)
Note. Should include: how these estimates were determined; if the sample is multi-phase, the quantities for each phase; and, if quota sampling is used, the expected number of units to be approached to achieve the desired sample size.
Based upon previous experiences with grower questionnaires, we expect a 40-50% response rate. Thus of the 180 questionnaires sent out, we expect to receive between 88 and 110 completed questionnaires.
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H7 Allowance for frame deficiencies
What allowances have been made for known frame deficiencies in the sample design? (H7)
Note. Should include: allowances made for expected defunct units (ie. units no longer in business), and allowances made for expected out of scope units.
As the names and addresses for sample are being provided by up-to-date sources, the number of defunct apple and pear growers is expected to be low.
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H8 Allowances for non-response
What allowances have been made for expected non-response in the sample design? (H8)
Note. Should include allowances made for refusals and non-contacts.
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H9 Representativeness of respondents
What evidence is there that the expected respondents will be representative of non-respondents? (H9)
Uncertain. Information compiled from each grower regarding the size of the enterprise will indicate if a bias exists to small/large growers. Stratification by State will ensure we can monitor any bias by State.
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