Survey Researcher how-to

How to Weight Survey Data to Match the Population

Weighting corrects imbalances.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Weighting corrects imbalances. In short: get; compare; choose, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Get population targets.

  2. Compare sample to targets.

  3. Choose variables.

  4. Calculate weights.

  5. Trim extreme weights.

  6. Check results.

Safety reminders for survey researchers

  • Protect respondent confidentiality
  • Follow IRB rules
  • Get informed consent
  • Store data securely

Sample · Population · Margin of error · Response rate · Weighting · Leading question: see the full survey researcher glossary.

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