Composite estimator based on the recursive ratio for an arbitrary rotation scheme

ABSTRACT Partial replacement of units in repeated surveys increases the efficiency of the estimation of the population mean. The composite estimator with constant coefficients, based on the recursive ratio, is useful in surveys with many variables. The mean square error of this estimator is obtained for an arbitrary rotation scheme. Comparisons indicate that it is more efficient than the sample mean for various rotation schemes. Simulations show that it performs better than other composite estimators in surveys with many variables changing differently over time.