Survey sampling during the last 50 years

In this short paper we sketch how survey sampling changed during the last 50 years. We describe the development and use of model-assisted survey sampling and model-assisted estimators, such as the generalized regression estimator. We also discuss the development of complex survey designs, in particular mixed-mode survey designs and adaptive survey designs. These latter two kinds of survey designs were mainly developed to increase response rates and decrease survey costs. A third topic that we discuss is the estimation of sampling variance. The increased computing power of computers has made it possible to estimate sampling variance of an estimator by means of replication methods, such as the bootstrap. Finally, we briefly discuss current and future developments in survey sampling, such as the increased interest in using nonprobability samples.