Sampling Techniques and
Sample Size Determination
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Objectives
Learn the reasons for sampling
Develop an understanding about
different sampling methods
Distinguish between probability & non
probability sampling
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Objectives
Discuss the relative advantages &
disadvantages of each sampling methods
List the factors influencing the sample
size
Calculate the sample size using
appropriate formulae
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Sampling
A sample is “a smaller (but hopefully
representative) collection of units
from a population used to determine
truths about that population” .
Why sample?
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Why sample?
Cost in terms of money,
time and manpower
Accessibility
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Why sample?
A census is a sample consisting of the entire population.
Even though a census is not full proof, it gives detailed
information about every small area of the population.
It has the following disadvantages:
◦ Expensive
◦ Takes a long time
◦ Cumbersome & therefore inaccurately done ( a careful
sample produces a more accurate data than a census.)
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What is sampling?
Sampling is the process of selecting a representative sample from populations.
It is selecting cases (elements)—or locating people (or other units of
analysis)—from a target population in order to study the population.
sampling
Sample
Population
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Sampling
The process of obtaining information from a
subset (sample) of a larger group
(population)
The results for the sample are then used to
make estimates of the larger group
Faster and cheaper than asking the entire
population
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Sampling
Two keys
1. Selecting the right people
Have to be selected scientifically so that they are
representative of the population
2. Selecting the right number of the right people
To minimize sampling errors I.e. choosing the wrong
people by chance
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Population Vs. Sample
Population of Interest
Population Sample
Sample
Parameter Statistic
We measure the sample using statistics in order to draw
inferences about the population and its parameters.
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Characteristics of Good
Samples
oRepresentation
◦Sample surveys are almost never conducted
for the purposes of describing the particular
sample under study. Rather they are
conducted for purposes of understanding the
larger population from which the sample was
initially selected
◦
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Characteristics of Good
Samples
E.g. international survey
programs such as the
DHS(demographic and health
surveys) series, EPI coverage
surveys have perfected the art
of household sampling.
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Characteristics of Good Samples
oAccessible
oLow cost
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Three factors that influence sample
representativeness
◦Sampling procedure
◦Sample size
◦Participation (response)
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When might you sample or use the entire
population?
◦When your population is very small
◦When you have extensive resources
◦When you don’t expect a very high
response
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Probability Sampling
Probability sampling refers
to the selection of a
sample from a population,
when this selection is
based on the principle of
randomization, that is,
random selection or
chance.
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Probability Sampling
Probability sampling is
more complex, more
time-consuming and
usually more costly than
non-probability
sampling.
Also called as Scientific Sampling
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Will all sample receive the
same chances?
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Will all sample receive the
same chances?
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Will all sample receive the
same chances?
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TYPES OF
PROBABILITY
SAMPLING
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Stratified
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Non-probability Sampling
Non-probability
sampling is a method of
selecting units from a
population using a
subjective (i.e. non-
random) method.
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Non-probability Sampling
Since non-probability
sampling does not require a
complete survey frame, it is
a fast, easy and inexpensive
way of obtaining data.
Non-scientific Sampling
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Non-
probability
Sampling
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Non-probability Sampling-Drawbacks
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TRUE OR FALSE
1.A sample represents a certain
TRUE
population
2. Non probability uses scientific
sampling. FALSE
3. Probability sampling has less bias
judgment than non probability sampling. TRUE
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TRUE OR FALSE
4. Stratified sampling is a type of nonprobability FALSE
5. Cluster sampling is also called chain FALSE
referral
6. Roulette wheel is an example of
randomized sampling TRUE
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Basic Terms
Population (also called source population or target population):
is a group of individuals persons, objects, or items from which
samples are taken for measurement.
◦It refers to the entire group of individuals or
objects to which researchers are interested in
generalizing the conclusions.
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Basic Terms
Census: Obtained by collecting information about each member
of a population. Studying the whole population and requires a great
deals of time, money and energy.
Sample survey: study sample and draw conclusions about
populations. It is cheaper in terms of cost, practical and convenient
in terms of technicalities, saves time and energy.
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Basic Terms
Sampling Frame: is the list of people from which the
sample is taken. It is the list from which the potential
respondents are drawn.
It should be comprehensive, complete and up-to-date.
Examples of sampling frame: Electoral Register; Postcode Address
File; telephone book and so on.
Probability samples: With probability sampling methods, each
population element has a known (non-zero) chance of being chosen
for the sample.
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