Definition: Statistical process

Category: ESS guidelines

In the context of the ESS Standard for Quality Reports the term statistical process means sample survey, census, use of administrative data, production of price or other economic index, or any other statistical compilation commonly performed by a national statistical office.

For the purpose of the Standard six types of statistical processes are distinguished.

1. Sample Survey. A survey based on a, usually probabilistic, sampling procedure involving direct collection of data from respondents.
2. Census. A survey, where all frame units are covered.
3. Statistical Process Using Administrative Source(s). A process making use of data collected for other purposes than direct production of statistics. An example is where statistical tabulations are produced from an administrative database maintained by the agency responsible for higher education.
4. Statistical Process Involving Multiple Data Sources. Different sampling, questionnaire designs and/or sampling procedures are used for different survey segments.
5. Price or other economic index process. Involving complex sample surveys, often with nonprobabilistic designs, and the target is complex and model-based.
6. Statistical Compilation. Specifically including economic aggregates like the National Accounts and the Balance of Payments. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/ramon/statmanuals/files/ESQR_final.pdf