A review of nonparametric ranked-set sampling methodology

Ranked-set sampling is an alternative to random sampling for settings in which measurements are difficult or costly. Ranked-set sampling utilizes information gained without measurement to structure the eventual measured sample. This additional information yields improved properties for ranked-set sample procedures relative to their simple random sample counterparts. We review the available nonparametric procedures for data from ranked-set samples. Estimation of the distribution function was the first nonparametric setting to which ranked-set sampling methodology was applied. Since the first paper on the ranked-set sample empirical distribution function, the two-sample location setting, the sign test, and the signed-rank test have all been examined for ranked-set samples. In addition, estimation of the distribution function has been considered in a more general setting. We discuss the similarities and differences in the properties of the ranked-set sample procedures for the various settings