Survey Methodology and Price Indices Course

Lesson 1 • Core Concepts in Survey Research

Introduces survey purpose, typology, and the research cycle. Establishes vocabulary used throughout all subsequent chapters.

Lesson 2 • Sources of Survey Error

Introduces the total survey error framework and its components. Prepares students to diagnose and minimise error in later design work.

Lesson 3 • Measurement and Questionnaire Basics

Covers question types, response scales, and cognitive testing. Grounds students in instrument design before advanced topics.

Lesson 1 • Sample Size Determination

Teaches power analysis, precision targets, and budget constraints for sizing decisions. Students calculate required sample sizes for common survey objectives.

Lesson 2 • Probability Sampling Fundamentals

Explains random selection, inclusion probabilities, and design-based inference. Provides the statistical basis for all probability designs covered next.

Lesson 3 • Multistage and Complex Designs

Extends single-stage methods to multistage probability proportional to size designs. Prepares students for real-world large-scale survey implementation.

Lesson 4 • Nonprobability Sampling Methods

Examines quota, purposive, and convenience sampling with their limitations. Students evaluate when nonprobability methods are acceptable and how to mitigate bias.

Lesson 5 • Stratified and Cluster Sampling

Introduces stratification and clustering as efficiency tools. Students compare design effects and choose between designs based on cost and precision.

Lesson 1 • Interviewer-Administered Modes

Covers in-person and telephone interviewing procedures and interviewer effects. Connects mode choice to coverage, cost, and data quality.

Lesson 2 • Computer-Assisted Data Collection

Introduces CAPI, CATI, and CAWI systems and their quality control features. Prepares students to programme skip logic and validation rules.

Lesson 3 • Nonresponse and Fieldwork Management

Addresses unit and item nonresponse causes and field management tactics. Students develop protocols to maximise response rates and document outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Fixed-Base vs. Chain Indexes

Contrasts fixed-base and chain-linking methodologies and their drift properties. Students assess when each approach is appropriate for a given context.

Lesson 2 • Index Number Theory and Axioms

Covers the axiomatic, economic, and stochastic approaches to index theory. Students evaluate formulas against theoretical tests.

Lesson 3 • Substitution Bias and Index Bounds

Analyses upper and lower bound properties of Laspeyres and Paasche indexes. Students quantify substitution bias and understand its policy implications.

Lesson 1 • Superlative Index Formulas

Introduces Fisher ideal and Tornqvist indexes as superlative measures. Students verify their axiomatic and economic superiority over fixed-weight indexes.

Lesson 2 • Laspeyres and Paasche Indexes

Derives and computes base-period and current-period weighted indexes. Establishes the benchmark formulas for all subsequent comparisons.

Lesson 3 • Elementary Aggregate Indexes

Covers Dutot, Carli, and Jevons formulas used at the lowest aggregation level. Students evaluate formula choice effects on aggregate index outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Outlet and Item Selection

Covers probability and purposive outlet sampling and item specification methods. Links selection rigour to representativeness of the final index.

Lesson 2 • Price Collection Procedures

Details field and scanner data collection protocols and frequency decisions. Students design collection schedules that balance cost and accuracy.

Lesson 3 • Quality Change and Adjustment Methods

Addresses hedonic regression, option cost, and overlap methods for quality adjustment. Students apply adjustments to maintain price comparability across periods.

Lesson 4 • Seasonal Products and Prices

Examines seasonal availability problems and annual basket and seasonal adjustment solutions. Students handle seasonal items without distorting index movements.

Lesson 1 • Consumer Price Index Design

Covers CPI scope, population coverage, and basket construction from household expenditure surveys. Students build a CPI framework from population definition to publication.

Lesson 2 • Index Revision and Rebasing

Covers reference period changes, index rebasing, and back-casting procedures. Students rebase an index series and communicate changes to users.

Lesson 3 • Expenditure Weights and Basket Updates

Addresses weight sources, update frequency, and linking procedures for both CPI and PPI. Students manage weight revision without introducing spurious index breaks.

Lesson 1 • Spatial Price Comparisons

Introduces purchasing power parities and multilateral spatial index methods. Students compute and interpret spatial price level differences across regions.

Lesson 2 • Deflation of Economic Aggregates

Explains how price indexes convert nominal to real values in national accounts. Students deflate GDP components using appropriate price indexes.

Lesson 3 • Decomposition and Contribution Analysis

Teaches contribution and decomposition techniques to explain index movements. Students attribute index change to component price and weight effects.

Lesson 4 • Multilateral Temporal Index Methods

Covers GEKS-Tornqvist and window-splice methods for scanner data time series. Students apply multilateral methods to high-frequency transaction data.