Variance Estimation by Users of SIPP Micro-Data Files
Rameswar P. Chakrabarty
RR 93/06, 6/22/93
ABSTRACT
This paper provides guidelines to users of SIPP micro-data files on how to compute sampling
errors. General methods of variance estimation from complex surveys with their advantages and
disadvantages and recent developments in the properties of these are discussed first. This is
followed by a discussion of all available software packages with regard to their statistical
methodology, capabilities, computational complexities, and most importantly, their suitability for
computing variances from the complex sample design of the SIPP, and some recommendations
for variance estimation.
