Series 02: Alan Gibson Stewart papers, 1987-1989 - Page 91
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relevant in deciding a vote.
The survey sampling was carefully designed to allow for various types of statistical bias. Coincidentally, the research that I had been pursuing had involved a similar type of sampling of animal populations. Here we had a different species with a different behaviour pattern but the statistical principles remained the same.
Over Vienna Schnitzel and several glasses of the house red wine, my enthusiasm grew. Sibraa and Childes were supportive; Fairburn insistent. The technique could be employed for the current campaign. The absent academic, Ernie Chaples, was anxious to carry out his research in marginal seats and Manly was now included in that category.
A few days later, Fairburn took me up to Sydney University to meet Dr. Ernest Chaples, Senior Lecturer in the School of Government. We found him slouched behind a desk in a book-littered office. Chaples was a rotund figure, clad in a yellow sweatshirt and jeans. A native of Massachusetts, he had once worked on the Kennedy campaign. He was now an Australian citizen.
Chaples explained that his research was funded by Federal Government. The results would be published. However, volunteers were required for the field work, and they would see a preliminary draft. But time was running out. How soon could we have our people ready?