Accuracy of sequential sampling plans based on Wald's sequential probability ratio test

1983 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1197-1203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary W. Fowler

Monte Carlo operating characteristic (OC) and average sample number (ASN) functions were compared with Wald's OC and ASN equations for sequential sampling plans based on Wald's sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) using the binomial, negative binomial, normal, and Poisson distributions. This comparison showed that the errors inherent in Wald's equations as a result of "overshooting" the decision boundaries of the SPRT can be large. Relative errors increased for the OC and ASN equations as the difference between the null (θ0)) and alternative (θ1) test parameter values increased. Relative errors also increased for the ASN equation as the probabilities of type I (α) and type II (β) errors increased. For discrete distributions, the relative errors also increased as θ0 increased with θ1/θ0 fixed. Wald's equations, in general, overestimate the true error probabilities and underestimate the true ASN. For the values of θ0, θ1, α, and β used in many sequential sampling plans in forestry, Wald's equations may not be adequate. For those cases where the errors in Wald's equations are important compared with the other errors associated with the sampling plan, two alternative Monte Carlo OC and ASN functions are proposed.

1985 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 326-330
Author(s):  
Gary W. Fowler

Many sequential sampling plans used in forest sampling are composite three-decision plans based on the simultaneous use of two of Wald's sequential probability ratio tests (SPRTs). Wald's operating characteristic (OC) and average sample number (ASN) equations for each SPRT are used to describe the properties of the composite sampling plan. Wald's equations are only approximate because of "overshooting" of the decision boundaries of the SPRTs and the two SPRTs operate simultaneously in the composite plan. Wald's and Monte Carlo OC and ASN functions were developed for (i) two SPRTs used to develop a three-decision composite plan and (ii) the three-decision composite plan based on the negative binomial distribution. Wald's equations, in general, overestimate the true error probabilities and underestimate the true ASN for a given SPRT. Wald's equations are less accurate in describing the properties of the three-decision plan. Monte Carlo functions are more accurate than Wald's functions. Recommendations are made regarding the choice between Wald's and Monte Carlo functions. A Monte Carlo procedure to modify the decision boundaries of the plan to yield actual error probabilities approximately equal to the desired error probabilities is suggested.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1434
Author(s):  
Gabriel Díaz-Padilla ◽  
J. Isabel López-Arroyo ◽  
Rafael A. Guajardo-Panes ◽  
Ignacio Sánchez-Cohen

Vector control in huanglongbing management has been conducted on a calendar basis resulting in high production costs. We addressed this issue and proposed a sequential sampling plan to support decision making for intervention against Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, which is involved in the transmission of the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, associated with such lethal disease. We analyzed 3,264,660 records from samples gathered from the Mexican trapping program for the monitoring of D. citri; it included weekly inspection of 86,004 yellow sticky traps distributed in the country. Spatial distribution of the insect, estimation of a common k (kc), and sequential sampling plans based on Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) were determined. Taylor’s power law coefficients were ≥1 indicating aggregation in the spatial distribution of the insect. Common k ranged from 0.0183 to 0.2253 and varied independently of geographic zone or citrus species. We obtained 18 sequential sampling plans, one for each state. In the Average Sample Number (ASN) function, the minimal number of samples to make a decision ranged from 17 to 65. In the Operational Characteristic (OC) function, probabilities for a correct intervention at the threshold of 0.2 D. citri adults/trap in most cases were above 80%. In a field evaluation, the application of sampling plans yielded savings obtained by reduction in the number of interventions for insect control.


2013 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Ling Sheng Chang

Sequential sampling plan (SSP) has been widely used in many engineering and quality control study. The advantage of using the SSP is the sample size is not fixed in advance, but is determined in part by the results of the sampling process. The application of the SSP is not limited to the industry, it also being used in pest management. This is because the SSP are generally more cost effective than plans based on a fixed sample size. Wald's Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) is one of the most common sequential sampling plans in insect pest management. It has been used to determine pest status at one time which could be used, through time, to monitor the status of the population and to take action when the pest density exceeded the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). Cocoa pod borer or CPB (Conopomorpha cramerella (Snell)) is a pest of concern to the cocoa growers in South-East Asia that has become one of the major factors that dampened the interest expressed in cocoa cultivation because of the heavy losses of cocoa pods due to the pest if effective control measure is not employed. The chemical control appeared to be one of the effective control measure used by the growers to control the CPB. Current practice used by the growers in applying the chemical is biweekly spraying which could see the increasing cost of chemical and labor used. The study was conducted to develop the Wald’s SPRT to monitor the CPB infestation level relative to the ETL based on counting the CPB eggs found on the pods aged 1 month before ripen or pod length 131 mm to 150 mm. The performance of the Wald’s SPRT was validated using independent data sets collected from Cocoa Research and Development Center (CRDC) Madai.


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