Some Elementary Concepts in the Theory of Sampling

Abstract THE value of statistical methods in interpreting the results of agricultural research has been quite generally recognized in recent years. This has resulted in a desire on the part of many investigators to avail themselves of those methods without inquiring into the mathematical theory upon which they are based. One can certainly concur with Fisher (1934) in the view that the methods of statistics can be extremely useful in the hands of investigators who may not have the time to master the theory involved. However, an investigator who is not thoroughly familiar with the theoretical background of a procedure may occasionally make the error of applying it to particular cases in which its use is not justified. Many modern statistical procedures are so new that they are particularly susceptible to this kind of abuse, even by competent statisticians, although many a venerable classical formula has received the same inglorious treatment. . . .