ABSTRACT

Estimation of totals, means, variances, and distribution percentiles for survey variables may be the primary objective of an analysis plan or possibly an exploratory step on a path to a more multivariate treatment of the survey data. Major reports of survey results can be filled with detailed tabulations of descriptive estimates. Scientific papers and publications that may emphasize a more analytical multivariate treatment of the data typically include initial descriptive estimation of population characteristics as part of the overall analysis plan.