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Sampling

This document discusses various sampling methods used in research. It defines key terms like population, element, and sample. It also describes different sampling techniques including probability methods like random sampling, stratified sampling, and cluster sampling as well as non-probability methods like convenience sampling, judgment sampling, quota sampling, and snowball sampling. The goals of sampling are to obtain a subset of a population that accurately represents the whole in order to make inferences while reducing time and costs compared to a census. Sample size depends on factors like population heterogeneity and research objectives.

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Thakur Avnish Singh
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36 views

Sampling

This document discusses various sampling methods used in research. It defines key terms like population, element, and sample. It also describes different sampling techniques including probability methods like random sampling, stratified sampling, and cluster sampling as well as non-probability methods like convenience sampling, judgment sampling, quota sampling, and snowball sampling. The goals of sampling are to obtain a subset of a population that accurately represents the whole in order to make inferences while reducing time and costs compared to a census. Sample size depends on factors like population heterogeneity and research objectives.

Uploaded by

Thakur Avnish Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SAMPLING METHODS

-Rachita Kumari
Ashutosh Rai
B.B.A. LL.B(H.)
DEFINING THE TARGET POPULATION
 It is critical to the success of the research project
to clearly define the target population.

 Rely on logic and judgment.

 The population should be defined in connection


with the objectives of the study.
TECHNICAL TERMINOLOGY
 An element is an object on which a
measurement is taken.

 A population is a collection of elements about


which we wish to make an inference.

 Sampling units are nonoverlapping collections


of elements from the population that cover the
entire population.
TECHNICAL TERMS
 A sampling frame is a list of sampling units.

 A sample is a collection of sampling units


drawn from a sampling frame.

 Parameter: numerical characteristic of a


population

 Statistic: numerical characteristic of a sample


ERRORS OF NONOBSERVATION
 The deviation between an estimate from
an ideal sample and the true population
value is the sampling error.

 Almost always, the sampling frame does


not match up perfectly with the target
population, leading to errors of coverage.
ERRORS OF NONOBSERVATION
 Nonresponse is probably the most serious of
these errors.
 Arises in three ways:

 Inability of the person responding to come


up with the answer
 Refusal to answer
 Inability to contact the sampled elements
CENSUS SAMPLE
 A census study occurs if the entire population is
very small or it is reasonable to include the entire
population (for other reasons).

 It is called a census sample because data is


gathered on every member of the population.
WHY SAMPLE?

 The population of interest is usually too large to


attempt to survey all of its members.

 A carefully chosen sample can be used to


represent the population.
 The sample reflects the characteristics of the
population from which it is drawn.
PROBABILITY VERSUS NONPROBABILITY

 Probability Samples: each member of the


population has a known non-zero probability of
being selected
 Methods include random sampling, systematic
sampling, and stratified sampling.

 Nonprobability Samples: members are


selected from the population in some
nonrandom manner
 Methods include convenience sampling, judgment
sampling, quota sampling, and snowball sampling
RANDOM SAMPLING
Random sampling is the purest form of
probability sampling.
 Each member of the population has an equal and known
chance of being selected.

 When there are very large populations, it is often


‘difficult’ to identify every member of the population, so
the pool of available subjects becomes biased.
 You can use software, such as minitab to generate random
numbers or to draw directly from the columns
SYSTEMATIC SAMPLING
 Systematic sampling is often used instead of
random sampling. It is also called an Nth name
selection technique.
 After the required sample size has been calculated,
every Nth record is selected from a list of
population members.
 As long as the list does not contain any hidden
order, this sampling method is as good as the
random sampling method.
 Its only advantage over the random sampling
technique is simplicity (and possibly cost
effectiveness).
STRATIFIED SAMPLING
 Stratified sampling is commonly used probability
method that is superior to random sampling because it
reduces sampling error.

 A stratum is a subset of the population that share at


least one common characteristic; such as males and
females.

 Identify relevant stratums and their actual


representation in the population.

 Random sampling is then used to select a sufficient


number of subjects from each stratum.

 Stratified sampling is often used when one or more of the


stratums in the population have a low incidence relative
to the other stratums.
CLUSTER SAMPLING
 Cluster Sample: a probability sample in which each
sampling unit is a collection of elements.
 Effective under the following conditions:
 A good sampling frame is not available or costly, while a
frame listing clusters is easily obtained
 The cost of obtaining observations increases as the
distance separating the elements increases

 Examples of clusters:
 City blocks – political or geographical
 Housing units – college students
 Hospitals – illnesses
 Automobile – set of four tires
CONVENIENCE SAMPLING
 Convenience sampling is used in exploratory
research where the researcher is interested in
getting an inexpensive approximation.

 The sample is selected because they are


convenient.

 It is a nonprobability method.
 Often used during preliminary research efforts to get
an estimate without incurring the cost or time
required to select a random sample
JUDGMENT SAMPLING

 Judgment sampling is a common


nonprobability method.

 The sample is selected based upon judgment.


 an extension of convenience sampling

 When using this method, the researcher


must be confident that the chosen sample is
truly representative of the entire population.
QUOTA SAMPLING
 Quota sampling is the nonprobability
equivalent of stratified sampling.

 First identify the stratums and their


proportions as they are represented in the
population

 Then convenience or judgment sampling is


used to select the required number of subjects
from each stratum.
SNOWBALL SAMPLING
 Snowball sampling is a special nonprobability
method used when the desired sample characteristic
is rare.
 It may be extremely difficult or cost prohibitive to
locate respondents in these situations.
 This technique relies on referrals from initial
subjects to generate additional subjects.
 It lowers search costs; however, it introduces bias
because the technique itself reduces the likelihood
that the sample will represent a good cross section
from the population.
SAMPLE SIZE?
 The more heterogeneous a population is, the
larger the sample needs to be.

 Depends on topic – frequently it occurs?

 For probability sampling, the larger the sample


size, the better.

 With nonprobability samples, not generalizable


regardless – still consider stability of results

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