Probability Sampling Methods

1. Random Sampling
Definition Advantages Disadvantages Selection Process

Selecting subjects so that [Link]

Easy to conduct
of a population have
1. Identification
an equal andof all
independent
members
1. Identify
of
chance
the population
and
of being
defineselected.
can
the be
population
difficult
2. High probability of achieving
2. Contacting
a representative
all members
sampleof
[Link]
Determine
sample can
the desired
be difficult
sample size
3. Meets assumptions of many statistical procedures 3. List all members of the population
4. Assign all members a consecutive number
5. Select a random starting point from a table

2. Stratified Random Sampling

Definition Advantages Disadvantages Selection Process

The population is divided into

1. two
Moreoraccurate
more groups
proportional
(strata)
1. Identification
sample
according to some
of all members
criterion
1. Identify
(e.g.,
of theage,
population
andincome,
definecan
the
grade
be
population
difficult
level), and subsam
2. Can be used for both proportional
2. Identifying
and members
non-proportional
of [Link]
Determine
samples can thebe
desired
difficult
sample size
3. Ensures representation of subgroups in the sample 3. Identify the variable and subgroups (strata)
4. Classify all members of the population into o
5. Randomly select individuals from each strat

3. Cluster Sampling
Definition Advantages Disadvantages Selection Process

Randomly selecting intact groups

1. Useful
(clusters),
when populations
not individuals,
1.
areRepresentation
large
withinand
a defined
spread
is likely
population
over to
wide
[Link]
Identify
areas
sharingan
and
similar
issue
define
characteristics.
the populationExamples:
2. Convenient and time-saving 2. Determine the desired sample size
3. No need to list all individuals in the population 3. Identify and define logical clusters
4. List all clusters that make up the population
5. Estimate the average number of members p
6. Determine the number of clusters needed (s
7. Randomly select the required number of clu
8. Include all individuals in each selected clust

4. Systematic Sampling
Definition Advantages Disadvantages Selection Process

Selecting every Kth subject 1.

from
Very
a list
easyof to
theconduct
population 1.
members.
Some members may not [Link]
Identify
an equal
and define
chancethe
of population
selection
2. Certain subgroups may be
2. missed
Determine the desired sample size
3. Obtain a complete list of the population
4. Calculate K (population size ÷ sample size)
5. Choose a random starting point
6. Select every Kth individual on the list