Generalized modified linear systematic sampling scheme for finite populations

The present paper deals with a further modification on the selection of linear systematic sample, which leads to the introduction of a more generalized form of modified linear systematic sampling namely generalized modified linear systematic sampling (GMLSS) scheme, which is applicable for any sample size, irrespective of the population size whether it is a multiple of sample size or not. The performances of the proposed modified linear systematic sampling scheme are assessed with that of simple random sampling, circular systematic sampling for certain hypothetical populations as well as for some natural populations. As a result, it is observed that the proposed modified linear systematic sample means perform better than the simple random sample mean and circular systematic sample mean for estimating the population mean in the presence of linear trend among the population values. Further improvements on GMLSS are achieved by introducing Yates type end corrections.