California Center for Population Research

Household surveys play a pivotal role in empirical economics. Cross-section and longitudinal surveys are regularly conducted throughout the globe. A description of survey design and sampling methods provides the foundation for discussing survey errors. These include errors associated with sampling, survey coverage and non response (which includes attrition from panel surveys) as well as errors of observation or measurement. In recent years, surveys have tended to become more complex and broader in scope with many reaching beyond measuring economic choices, constraints and outcomes. This trend will likely continue and exciting technological innovations in survey methods and implementation promise to revolutionize the field.