Sampling Techniques
Sampling Techniques
Sampling Techniques
Sampling can save money. Sampling can save time. For given resources, sampling can broaden the scope of the data set. Because the research process is sometimes destructive, the sample can save product. If accessing the population is impossible; sampling is the only option.
Population Frame
A list, map, directory, or other source used to represent the population
Overregistration -- the frame contains all members of the target population and some additional elements Example: using the FICCI membership directory as the frame for a target population of member businesses owned by women.
Underregistration -- the frame does not contain all members of the target population. Example: telephone directory, yellow pages etc.
Nonrandom Sampling
Every unit of the population does not have the same probability of being included in the sample. Open to selection bias Not appropriate data collection methods for most statistical methods Also known as nonprobability sampling
Systematic Sampling
Convenient and relatively easy to administer Population elements are an ordered sequence (at least, conceptually). The first sample element is selected randomly from the first k population elements. Thereafter, sample elements are selected at a constant interval, k, from the ordered sequence frame.
k =
N
n
where: n = sample size N = population size k = size of selection interval
Cluster Sampling
Population is divided into nonoverlapping clusters or areas. Each cluster is a miniature, or microcosm, of the population. A subset of the clusters is selected randomly for the sample. If the number of elements in the subset of clusters is larger than the desired value of n, these clusters may be subdivided to form a new set of clusters and subjected to a random selection process.
Cluster Sampling
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Advantages More convenient for geographically dispersed populations Reduced travel costs to contact sample elements Simplified administration of the survey Unavailability of sampling frame prohibits using other random sampling methods Disadvantages Statistically less efficient when the cluster elements are similar Costs and problems of statistical analysis are greater than for simple random sampling.
Nonrandom Sampling
Convenience Sampling: sample elements are selected for the convenience of the researcher Judgment Sampling: sample elements are selected by the judgment of the researcher Snowball Sampling: survey subjects are selected based on referral from other survey respondents
Errors
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Data from nonrandom samples are not appropriate for analysis by inferential statistical methods. Sampling Error occurs when the sample is not representative of the population. Nonsampling Errors Missing Data, Recording, Data Entry, and Analysis Errors Poorly conceived concepts , unclear definitions, and defective questionnaires Response errors occur when people so not know, will not say, or overstate in their answers