Sociology Plus
Kish Selection Table Definition
The Kish selection table, also known as the Kish grid, is a systematic sampling technique widely employed in survey research to objectively select individuals from within households for interviews. This method allows interviewers, who possess a sample of household addresses, to select a respondent on the doorstep by adhering to simple and rigorous rules designed to ensure fairness. The process involves creating an ordered list of eligible individuals within a specific address, typically arranged by age, and then selecting one person based on the serial number corresponding to the address itself.
Methodology
The core principle of the Kish selection table is to establish a mechanism that guarantees every individual residing in a household has an equal chance of being selected for the interview. This procedure moves beyond simple random selection by providing a structured method for managing respondent choice within a defined group, thereby increasing the objectivity of data collection.
Practical Application and Challenges
While highly effective for achieving objective selection, the technique faces practical difficulties. A significant challenge arises because the individual who provides the initial household listing may not be the person ultimately interviewed. This limitation necessitates careful management during the execution of the sampling process to maintain the integrity of the sample.
Origin
The formalisation and detailed procedure for this method were documented by L. Kish in his seminal work, ‘A Procedure for Objective Respondent Selection Within the Household’, published in the Journal of the American Statistical Association in 1949.