ABSTRACT
About the chapter This chapter describes sampling methods used by ergonomists and engineers to estimate how often certain activities or system states occur. One objective of this chapter is to provide enough detail for the student to know when to use sampling methods and when not to. A second objective is to give the student the ability to use these methods and to suggest some typical applications. The chapter includes a brief review of the statistical basis of sampling, before discussing more advanced topics such as stratified sampling strategies and sequential Bayesian methods. An understanding of the statistical basis of sampling is required to determine the necessary sample size and to avoid situations that violate the underlying assumptions of the procedures followed. In some cases, it becomes necessary to increase the sample size, or to collect additional data to confirm the preliminary results. Stratified sampling strategies and sequential Bayesian sampling methods can greatly reduce the number of observations, making them very efficient, compared to traditional statistical methods.
