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Appendix 10
1998-01-27

1(2)

Karin Winqvist

Some Statistical Terms

useful when planning and carrying out a statistical survey
In this paper a list of common statistical terms is given. The terms are briefly described and they
appear in the order that they occur in a survey.
General Problem

A problem which might be clarified by a statistical survey. The problem

often concerns vague and complicated questions. One probably has to
collect information from several sources in order to give answers to the
questions.

Statistical Problem

A problem which can be solved or explained by means of numerical

information, obtained through statistical methods.
Starting with the general problem a statistical problem is specified. In order
to decide whether a statistical survey can be performed or not, one has to
take several things into consideration. One has to state the purpose of the
survey very carefully. Estimated time, cost and quality are important factors
of the planning process.

Unit

A respondent, element or object of which one can measure one or more

properties.
Examples: individual household, holding

Target population

A clearly defined set of units, about which one would like to get certain
information related to the statistical and general problem.
Example: Individuals living in Pretoria Jan 1, 1998.

Variable

A measurable property or a characteristic that can vary among the observed

units.
A variable is called
- quantitative if it is numeric, for example age, height and yield of maize
- qualitative if it is non-numeric, for example sex and type of crop

Survey population

A variable can be
- continuos, that is it can take any value within an interval, for example
height and yield
- discrete, that is it can only take certain specified values for example
number of children
The collection of units that one wants to investigate with respect to the
general problem.
Example: Individuals living in Pretoria Jan 1, 1997 who are still living there

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Karin Winqvist

March 1, 1997
Frame
Sampling frame

A list or some other record that is intended to show the units of the survey
population.

Under-coverage

The set of units that belong to the survey population but not to the frame.

Over-coverage

The set of units that does not belong to the survey population but that is
listed in the frame.

Domain of study
Sub-population

A portion of the population for which one wants specific results.

Census

A statistical survey which covers all units in the survey population.

Sample

A portion of the survey population that is selected in order to carry out the
survey on this portion only.

Inference

Conclusions about the survey population, based on information in the

sample.

Tabulation plan

A list of draft tables for the presentation of the results of the survey.

Sampling plan

A plan which shows how the sample is to be selected.

Pilot survey

A minor survey which serves as a test of the measurement instrument, for

example the questionnaire, and of other phases of the survey that one may
want to test.

Data entry

The process of entering data in a computer.

Checking

The process of searching for errors in the primary data.

Editing

The process of correcting errors in the primary data.

Updating

The process of making changes in data.

Error

The deviation from a true value, that is the difference between the observed
or estimated value and the true value.