Multiple Frame Surveys
- Combines two or more sampling frames to cover a wider portion of the target population.
- Helps include subgroups that a single frame might miss and can raise overall response rates.
- Typically more complex and costly to design and implement than single-frame surveys.
Definition
Section titled “Definition”Multiple-frame surveys are a type of survey methodology that uses multiple sampling frames in order to increase the representativeness and accuracy of the survey results.
Explanation
Section titled “Explanation”Multiple-frame surveys employ more than one sampling frame so that the combined frames better approximate the target population than any single frame alone. This approach is used when a single sampling frame may not adequately capture the target population or when certain subgroups are underrepresented in one frame. Using multiple frames increases the likelihood of reaching a larger portion of the population, which can improve sample representativeness and response rates. Implementing multiple frames requires identifying and using each relevant frame and often involves multiple data collection methods.
Examples
Section titled “Examples”Landline and cell phone sampling frames
Section titled “Landline and cell phone sampling frames”Using both a landline and a cell phone sampling frame captures households that would be excluded by a landline-only frame, because the number of households without a landline has increased.
List-based sampling frame and random digit dialing (RDD)
Section titled “List-based sampling frame and random digit dialing (RDD)”Combining a list-based sampling frame (for example, voter registration lists or lists of households with a certain characteristic) with an RDD sampling frame helps cover subgroups that may be missing from the list, since lists may not be comprehensive.
Use cases
Section titled “Use cases”- When a single sampling frame does not adequately capture the target population.
- When certain subgroups are underrepresented in a single sampling frame.
- When increasing the number of potential respondents is needed to improve response rates.
Notes or pitfalls
Section titled “Notes or pitfalls”- Multiple-frame surveys are more complex and time-consuming to implement because several sampling frames must be identified and used.
- They are typically more expensive, since they often require multiple data collection methods and additional resources.
Related terms
Section titled “Related terms”- Sampling frame
- Target population
- Response rate
- Landline sampling frame
- Cell phone sampling frame
- List-based sampling frame
- Random digit dialing (RDD)