Estimating the design factor for surveys in Hong Kong

Aims to estimate the design factors for surveys in Hong Kong. The design factor is to be used for estimating the true standard errors in surveys, using non‐simple random sampling methods. The resulting modified standard error can provide more accurate statistical computation in data analysis. Two surveys were conducted using a standard set of questions, one survey used simple random sampling; the other involved convenience sampling. Found that the design factor for surveys conducted in Hong Kong is 1.135. Notes that the two design factors found in Hong Kong are significantly smaller than those obtained overseas. Suggests this is possibly related to the Chinese people′s central tendency characteristic in expressing opinions, and that Hong Kong is a small, metropolitan city with a relatively homogeneous population.