A Biobjective Method for Sample Allocation in Stratified Sampling

Emilio Carrizosa, Dolores Romero Morales

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

The two main and contradicting criteria guiding sampling design are accuracy of estimators and sampling costs. In stratified random sampling, the sample size must be allocated to strata in order to optimize both objectives.
In this note we address, following a biobjective methodology, this allocation problem. A two-phase method is proposed to describe the set of Pareto-optimal solutions of this nonlinear integer biobjective problem. In the first phase, all supported Pareto-optimal solutions are described via a closed formula, which enables quick computation. Moreover, for the common case in which sampling costs are independent of the strata, all Pareto-optimal solutions are shown to be supported. For more general cost structures, the non-supported Pareto-optimal solutions are found by solving a parametric knapsack problem. Bounds on the criteria can also be imposed, directing the search towards implementable sampling plans. Our method provides a deeper insight into the problem than simply solving a scalarized version, whereas the computational burden is reasonable.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research
Volume177
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)1074–1089
ISSN0377-2217
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

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