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  • Publication | 2021
IPC Resource 02: Statistical concepts used in estimation of reliability of evidence

The IPC Manual 3.0 contains several statistical concepts that are used to define and explain evidence reliability criteria, especially relating to household surveys. Since the statistical concepts used in the Manual 3.0 are not detailed in the Manual itself, the explanations of the concepts are included in the Resources to the Manual. This guidance can be used together with the Manual in order to clarify the evidence reliability criteria. Furthermore, this guidance resource will help IPC practitioners understand in greater detail the survey data used for IPC analysis, and will facilitate critical analysis of the data and its reliability. The purpose of this guidance is to define statistical concepts used assessing reliability of survey evidence. The evidence reliability guidance of the IPC, or the general parameters for sampling presented in this note, should not be taken as guidance for preparing sample surveys. All calculations for the required sample size should be made based on the parameters that are relevant for the survey in question, e.g. estimated prevalence of the main variable included in the survey and desired precision, as well as any other considerations that typically influence sampling, such as financial and logistical feasibility.