Introduction to sampling
What is sampling
• Sampling is the process of selecting units (e.g.,
people, organizations) from a population of
interest so that by studying the sample we
may fairly generalize our results back to the
population from which they were chosen.
• Who do you want to generalize to
↓
Theoretical population
What population do you have access to
↓
Accessible population
Listing of accessible population from which sample is drawn
↓
Sampling frame
Advantages of sampling
• cost is lower,
• data collection is faster,
• since the data set is smaller it is possible to
ensure homogeneity and to improve the
accuracy and quality of the data.
• Sampling Methods:-
1) Probability Sampling Method
2) Non-Probability Sampling Method
Probability Sampling Method Non-Probability Sampling
Method
utilizes some form of random Does not use random
selection. selection.
Factors effecting sampling method
• Nature and quality of the frame
• Availability of auxiliary information about
units on the frame
• Accuracy requirements, and the need to
measure accuracy
• Whether detailed analysis of the sample is
expected
• Cost/operational concerns
What is probability
• Scientists express probability as an arbitrary
number ranging from 0 to 1 or 0 to 100%.
• Probability Sampling Methods –1) A simple
random sample:- A each unit in the
population has an equal chance of being
selected.
• free from sampling bias.
Advantage and disadvantages of
random sampling
• simple to accomplish and is easy to explain to
others
• fair way to select a sample, it is reasonable to
generalize
• not the most statistically efficient method of
sampling
• not get good representation of subgroups in a
population
Assignment
• Randomly select sample using Microsoft
excell.
systematic random sampling.
• To simplify sampling - every 10th or 100th unit
after the first unit has been chosen randomly.
• Advantages-
• more statistical precision- key subgroups of
the population were represented along with
entire population.
2) A stratified sample:
• population can be divided into different
groups may be based on some characteristic
or variable
• These groups are referred to as strata.
• Sample is selected randomly from each strata.
3) A cluster sample:
• selecting clusters from the population on the
basis of simple random sampling.
• divide population into clusters (usually along
geographic boundaries)
• randomly sample clusters
• measure all units within sampled clusters
example
If we survey on town
government it is
Easier to cluster sampling
the five counties
And visit every town
government of
Each county.
• This approach is adopted when one to one
interview survey is conducted. we probably
don't have to worry about using this approach
if we are conducting a mail or telephone
survey because it doesn't matter as much (or
cost more or raise inefficiency) where we call
or send letters to.
Non-Probability Sampling Method
• Accidental, Haphazard or Convenience
Sampling
• Quick response interview from "person on the
street“
• In clinical practice, asking for volunteers.
• Disadvantage- no evidence that they are
representative of the populations
Purposive Sampling
• sample with a purpose in mind
• Respondent has to meet the criteria for being
in the sample
• Advantage
• reach a targeted sample and get opinions of
the target population quickly.
•
Sampling and data collection
• Good data collection involves:
• Following the defined sampling process
• Keeping the data in time order
• Noting comments and other contextual events
• Recording non-responses
