Application of the multiple frame design in an economic distributional effects study.

Abstract: A multiple frame survey design was used to study establishment and household characteristics and to make inferences about the population of interest. The methodology required for frame construction, sampling, field enumeration, and estimation is illustrated. The nine-county Kentucky study was the first of its type attempted by the Statistics unit of the Economics and Statistics Service, USDA, for data collection. Procedures were substantially more difficult than our traditional work. The study was carried out effectively and demonstrates our capability for this type of project. This document was developed because of the unusual nature of the survey; however, it would be beneficial to document all special surveys that the agency conducts. Suggested procedural enhancements are given for future applications and adaptation.