Sampling
Sampling
Sampling
o What do you call when you ask some people, but not all
people, to answer a survey?
o Why wouldn't you ask everyone who has anything to do
with a survey issue to fill out a survey?
oWhat do you name the full group of persons about whom
you want to ask questions on a survey?
Sampling
◦ the process of getting information from a proper
subset of population. The fundamental purpose of all
sampling plans is to describe the population
characteristics through the values obtained from a
sample as accurately as possible.
Sampling Plan
◦ A sampling plan is a detailed outline of which measurements
will be taken at what times, on which material, in what
manner, and by whom that support the purpose of an
analysis.
◦ Sampling plans should be designed in such a way that the
resulting data will contain a representative sample of the
parameters of interest and allow questions, as stated in
research objectives to be answered.
Steps in Developing a Sampling Plan
1. identify
the parameters to be measured, the range of possible values, and th
e required
resolution
2. design
a sampling scheme that details how and when samples will be
taken
3. select sample sizes
4. design data storage formats
5. assign roles and responsibilities
◦ For a quantitative analysis, the sample’s composition must accurately
represent the target population, requirement that necessitates a careful
sampling plan. It should consider the following questions:
1.) From where within the target population should we collect samples?
2.) What type of samples should we collect?
3.) What is the minimum amount of sample for each analysis?
4.) How many samples should we analyze?
5.) How can we minimize the overall variance for the analysis?
Question:
How large a sample must one take in order to be certain that the
values calculated from this sample is not far from the actual values
of the population parameters?
2 N= population size
𝑛= 𝑁 /(1+ 𝑁𝑒 ) e = error balance
Example:
Find the sample size required for a population
size N=1000 if an error e=0.05 is tolerated.
The sampling plan calls for the behavior of the sample to
follow the behavior of the population.
◦To conduct this type of sampling, you can use tools like random number
generators or other techniques that are based entirely on chance.
Example:
You want to select a simple random sample of 1000 employees of a social
media marketing company. You assign a number to every employee in the
company database from 1 to 1000, and use a random number generator to
select 100 numbers.
Probability Sampling Techniques
◦ 2. Systematic Sampling
◦ Systematic sampling is similar to simple random sampling, but it is
usually slightly easier to conduct. Every member of the population is
listed with a number, but instead of randomly generating numbers,
individuals are chosen at regular intervals.
◦ Example: All employees of the company are listed in alphabetical order.
From the first 10 numbers, you randomly select a starting point: number
6. From number 6 onwards, every 10th person on the list is selected (6,
16, 26, 36, and so on), and you end up with a sample of 100 people.
Probability Sampling Techniques
◦ 3. Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into
subpopulations that may differ in important ways. It allows you
draw more precise conclusions by ensuring that every subgroup is
properly represented in the sample.
Example:
◦ The company has offices in 10 cities across the country (all with
roughly the same number of employees in similar roles). You don’t
have the capacity to travel to every office to collect your data, so
you use random sampling to select 3 offices – these are your
clusters.
B. Non-Probability Sampling
◦ Non-Probability sampling - individuals are
selected based on non-random criteria, and not every
individual has a chance of being included.
Non-Probability Sampling Techniques
◦ 1. Convenience sampling
◦ A convenience sample simply includes the individuals
who happen to be most accessible to the researcher.
Example:
◦ You are researching opinions about student support
services in your university, so after each of your
classes, you ask your fellow students to complete
a survey on the topic.
Non-Probability Sampling Techniques
2. Purposive sampling
◦ This type of sampling, also known as judgement sampling, involves the
researcher using their expertise to select a sample that is most useful to
the purposes of the research.
Example:
◦ You want to know more about the opinions and experiences of disabled
students at your university, so you purposefully select a number of
students with different support needs in order to gather a varied range of
data on their experiences with student services.
Non-Probability Sampling Techniques
◦ 3. Quota sampling
◦ Quota sampling relies on the non-random selection of a
predetermined number or proportion of units. This is called a quota.
◦ You first divide the population into mutually exclusive subgroups
(called strata) and then recruit sample units until you reach your
quota. These units share specific characteristics, determined by you
prior to forming your strata. The aim of quota sampling is to control
what or who makes up your sample.
Non-Probability Sampling Techniques
◦ 3. Quota sampling
◦ Example: You want to gauge consumer interest in a new produce delivery
service in Boston, focused on dietary preferences. You divide the
population into meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans, drawing a sample
of 1000 people. Since the company wants to cater to all consumers, you
set a quota of 200 people for each dietary group. In this way, all dietary
preferences are equally represented in your research, and you can easily
compare these groups. You continue recruiting until you reach the quota
of 200 participants for each subgroup.