ABSTRACT
This chapter guides the survey analyst through a sequence of steps that are important to properly prepare for the analysis of a complex sample survey data set. The steps in this chapter should be considered only after steps 1 and 2 in Chapter 1 (defining the research problem, stating the research objectives, and understanding the sample design). These steps include reviewing the weights and the sampling error calculation model for the survey data set, examining the amount of missing data for key variables, and preparing for the analysis of sample subclasses. The chapter concludes with a short checklist to remind the reader of these critical preliminary steps.
