THE REALITY OF SURVEY RESULT: AN URBAN GOODS MOVEMENT CASE STUDY

Results from a commercial vehicle survey undertaken in Sydney, Australia shows relative standard errors varying from 5% to 33%. When looking at similar survey data from around the world, very few explicitly state the accuracy of final results, which can be misleading to users. When errors are not quoted, many users assume the sampling error is so small it is not worth of concern. However, in practical transport and traffic problems, there are very few situations where this is the case. In order to compare published results it is essential to know the sampling error so conclusions can be drawn with confidence. Accuracy depends a lot on the survey methodology, response rate and rigour of the subsequent analysis. It also depends on the sample size and variability of the subject. This paper briefly describes the greater Sydney (Australia) commercial vehicle survey, it discusses the statistical analyses and highlights some important issues to consider in future surveys.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0080435904
• Corporate Authors:

  Elsevier

  The Boulevard, Langford Lane
  Kidlington, Oxford  United Kingdom  OX5 1GB
• Authors:
  • Taylor, S Y
  • Ogden, K W
• Conference:
  • World Transport Research: Selected Proceedings of the 8th World Conference on Transport Research
  • Location: Antwerp, Belgium
  • Date: 1998-7-12 to 1998-7-17
• Publication Date: 1999

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 586-600

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Commercial vehicles; Drivers; Ownership; Questionnaires; Statistical analysis; Traffic surveys; Urban goods movement
• Geographic Terms: Australasia
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Freight Transportation; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00783963
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0080435904
• Report/Paper Numbers: Volume 1
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 9 2000 12:00AM