Sampling Methods
By
Amritansh
Types of Variables
Quantitative
Measured in amounts e.g. litres, kg, pixels
Height , Weight, Picture resolution
Qualitative
Measured in categories
Gender, Race, diagnosis, labels
Discrete
Separate categories, Grades: A+, A, A-
Continuous
Continuous values. Infinite values
Sampling
A sample is a smaller collection of units from a population used to
determine truths about the mentioned population
Why bother with samples:
Less Resources (time and computation)
Given accuracy can be trusted mathematically
3 factors that influence sample representative-ness
Sampling procedure
Sample Size Study Population
Participation
Sample
Target Population
Types of Sampling Methods
Random Sampling
Stratified Random Sampling
Cluster Sampling
Systematic Sampling
Representative Sampling
Haphazard Sampling
Sampling with Replacement
Random Sampling
Applicable when population is small, homogeneous & readily available
All subsets of the frame are given an equal probability. Each element of the
frame thus has an equal probability of selection
It provides for greatest number of possible samples. This is done by assigning
a number to each unit in the sampling frame.
A table of random number or lottery system is used to determine which
units are to be selected.
Pros
Estimates are easy to calculate.
Simple random sampling is always an EPS design, but not all EPS designs
are simple random sampling.
Cons
If sampling frame large, this method impracticable
Minority subgroups of interest in population may not be present in sample
in sufficient numbers for study.
Systematic Sampling
Systematic sampling relies on arranging the target population according to
some ordering scheme and then selecting elements at regular intervals
through that ordered list
Systematic sampling involves a random start and then proceeds with the
selection of every kth element from then onwards. In this case,
k=(population size/sample size)
A simple example would be to select every 10th name from the telephone
directory
Pros
Sample easy to select
Suitable sampling frame can be identified easily
Sample evenly spread over entire reference population
Cons
Sample may be biased if hidden periodicity in population coincides with
that of selection
Difficult to assess precision of estimate from one survey
Stratified Sampling
Where population embraces a number of distinct categories, the frame
can be organized into separate "strata." Each stratum is then sampled as
an independent sub-population, out of which individual elements can be
randomly selected
Every unit in a stratum has same chance of being selected
Using same sampling fraction for all strata ensures proportionate
representation in the sample
Adequate representation of minority subgroups of interest can be ensured
by stratification & varying sampling fraction between strata as required.
Cons
First, sampling frame of entire population has to be prepared separately
for each stratum
Second, when examining multiple criteria, stratifying variables may be
related to some, but not to others, further complicating the design, and
potentially reducing the utility of the strata.
Finally, in some cases (such as designs with a large number of strata, or
those with a specified minimum sample size per group), stratified sampling
can potentially require a larger sample than would other methods
Cluster Sampling
Cluster sampling is an example of 'two-stage sampling‘
First stage : a sample of areas is chosen
Second stage : a sample of respondents within those areas is selected.
Population is divided into clusters of homogeneous units
Sampling units are groups rather than individuals
A sample of such clusters is then selected.
All units from the selected clusters are studied.
Pros
Cuts down on the cost of preparing a sampling frame
Cons
Sampling error is higher for a simple random sample of same size.
Types of Cluster Sampling
One-stage sampling: All of the elements within selected clusters are
included in the sample
Two-stage sampling: A subset of elements within selected clusters are
randomly selected for inclusion in the sample.
Difference in Strata & Cluster Sampling
All strata are represented in the sample; but only a subset of clusters are in
the sample
With stratified sampling, the best survey results occur when elements within
strata are internally homogeneous. However, with cluster sampling, the best
results occur when elements within clusters are internally heterogeneous
CONVENIENCE SAMPLING
Also known as haphazard sampling or accidental sampling
A type of nonprobability sampling which involves the sample being drawn
from that part of the population which is close to hand. That is, readily
available and convenient.
The researcher using such a sample cannot scientifically make
generalizations about the total population from this sample because it
would not be representative enough.
This type of sampling is most useful for pilot testing
For example, if the interviewer was to
conduct a survey at a shopping center
early in the morning on a given day, the
people that he/she could interview
would be limited to those given there at
that given time, which would not
represent the views of other members of
society in such an area, if the survey
was to be conducted at different times
of day and several times per week.
In social science research, snowball
sampling is a similar technique, where
existing study subjects are used to
recruit more subjects into the sample.