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The CSV Distribution feature in Sample Manager allows users to create a distributed sample using a CSV file that defines quota or stratification criteria and target counts.
This feature makes it easy to distribute samples based on inclusion filters (for example, education level, gender, or participation history) without manually building each campaign.
1: CSV Distribution
Navigate to Sample Manager and click on CSV Distribution button located between Import Sample and New Campaign. A modal will appear to guide you through the setup process. Enter your desired sample name, filter and set up a CSV file of your desired criteria to upload.
2: Form fields
Sample name
Enter the name that your distributed sample will have. The name must already be used in this project.
Filters
Select a filter from the dropdown to limit which panelists are included in the distribution.
Selected file
Use the Upload CSV button to upload the CSV file with the distribution instructions. See the required format below. Uploading a file will perform a check to make sure the file you uploaded is valid. An error is produced if issues are found.
3: Acceptable file format
The imported CSV file must follow the following format:
Header line
One or more columns containing a datapoint label. You may use up to 4 datapoint columns. Only radio datapoints are allowed.The last column must be the row containing the desired panelist count.
Choice lines
For each row in the file, specify the choice id (1 through the number of choices of the datapoint). The last column must be the desired panelist count. A positive integer is required. You do not need to specify all choices of the datapoint. Omitted choices are automatically excluded.
Example:
Qgender,Qregion,Count
1,1,100
1,3,25
1,4,75
2,2,150
2,4,50
The example above would include 200 random males and 200 random females from a different set of regions.
Note: Because of the random nature of this feature, running the same distribution multiple times will always result in different samples.
4: Upload Your CSV File
Next, upload a CSV file that includes your criteria and the desired counts per cell. Once uploaded, the system automatically validates the file.
If there are any issues, an error will display listing the problems.
When the file is valid, a success confirmation will be displayed and allow you to proceed.
5: Creating Sample
After you confirm the upload, a feasibility report will be generated based on your uploaded file and filter selection. Upon reviewing the report, you will have two options to Restart or Create Sample.
If you are satisfied with the sample results, click Create Sample to create your distributed sample, otherwise Restart to return to the upload screen to make changes. The uploaded CSV distribution will appear as a sample option to select from when creating a campaign.