Smith, Herbert L.2023-05-232023-05-232009-12-012009-12-16https://repository.upenn.edu/handle/20.500.14332/44318A large study of nurses conducted in the U.S. states of California (CA) and Pennsylvania (PA) is based on two large samples: n^CA≈100,000 and n^PA≈65,000. The study was conducted by mail and had response rates of: p^CA=.27 and p^PA=.39 ;; the number of respondents is thus, respectively, : n_1^CA≈28,000 and n_1^PA≈25,000. Although there are many respondents, we must concern ourselves with the possibility of substantial bias due to non-response. In order to estimate and correct for this bias, a second random sample (n_01=1,300 in the two states combined) was drawn from among the non-respondents to the first survey. Thanks to financial incentives and, above all, a shorter questionnaire, we obtained a response rate above 90%. In each state, the two samples were combined to create a virtually unbiased double sample.BiasesCaliforniaDouble sampleEfficiencyErrorsMail surveysNon-responseNursingPennsylvaniaRandom sampleSample designSample surveysSamplingStatistical methodsStatisticsSurvey DataSurvey methodologySurveysApplied StatisticsDemography, Population, and EcologyQuantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical MethodologiesSociologyStatistics and ProbabilityWorking Paper