Sampling techniques

Tahir Mahmood

LecturerDepartment of Statistics

Sampling Theory and Methods

Outlines:

Explain the role of sampling in the research processDistinguish between probability and non probability

sampling Understand the factors to consider when determining

sample sizeUnderstand the steps in developing a sampling plan

What is Sampling?Sampling is the procedure a

researcher uses to gather people, places, or things to study.

Samples are always subsets or small parts of the total number that could be studied.

Sampling is the process of selecting a small number of elements from a larger defined target group of elements such that the information gathered from the small group will allow judgments to be made about the larger groups

What is your population of interest?To whom do you want to generalize your results?

All doctorsSchool childrenIndiansWomen aged 15-45 yearsOtherCan you sample the entire population?

Why sampling?

Get information about large populations

Less costs

Less field time

More accuracy i.e. Can Do A Better Job of

Data Collection

When it’s impossible to study the whole

population

Important Factors in selecting a Sample Design

Research objectives Degree of accuracy

Time frame

Research scope

Statistical analysis needs

Resources

Knowledge oftarget population

Common Methods:– Budget/time available– Executive decision– Statistical methods– Historical data/guidelines

Common Methods for Determining Sample Size

How many completed questionnaires do we need to have a representative sample?

Generally the larger the better, but that takes more time and money.

Answer depends on:– How different or dispersed the population is.– Desired level of confidence.– Desired degree of accuracy.

Determining Sample Size

IMPORTANT STATISTICAL TERMS

Population:

a set which includes all measurements of interest to the researcher(The collection of all responses, measurements, or counts that are of interest)Sample:A subset of the population

Sampling FrameA list of population elements (people, companies,

houses, cities, etc.) from which units to be sampled can be selected.

Difficult to get an accurate list.

Sample frame error occurs when certain elements of the population are accidentally omitted or not included on the list.

See Survey Sampling like HIES PDHS, PSLM, MICS

Sampling Methods

probability sampling

Nonprobability sampling

Probability Sampling

A probability sampling scheme is one in which every unit in the population has a chance (greater than zero) of being selected in the sample, and this probability can be accurately determined.

Non-Probability SamplingNon probability sampling is any sampling

method where some elements of the population have no chance of selection (these are sometimes referred to as 'out of coverage‘ / 'under covered'), or where the probability of selection can't be accurately determined.

It involves the selection of elements based on assumptions regarding the population of interest, which forms the criteria for selection.

Types of Sampling Methods

Probability Simple random sampling Systematic random sampling Stratified random sampling Cluster sampling

Non probability Convenience sampling Judgment sampling Quota sampling Snowball sampling

Simple Random Sampling

Simple random sampling is a method of probability sampling in which every unit has an equal non zero chance of being selected

Simple random sampling

Systematic Random Sampling

Systematic random sampling is a method of probability sampling in which the defined target population is ordered and the sample is selected according to position using a skip interval

Steps in Drawing a Systematic Random Sample

1: Obtain a list of units that contains an acceptable frame of the target population

2: Determine the number of units in the list and the desired sample size

3: Compute the skip interval 4: Determine a random start point 5: Beginning at the start point, select the units by choosing

each unit that corresponds to the skip interval

Systematic sampling

Stratified Random Sampling

Stratified random sampling is a method of probability sampling in which the population is divided into different subgroups and samples are selected from each.

Steps in Drawing a Stratified Random Sample

1: Divide the target population into homogeneous subgroups or strata

2: Draw random samples from each stratum3: Combine the samples from each stratum into a single

sample of the target population

Example:

Cluster samplingCluster 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 divided into clusters of homogeneous units,

usually based on geographical contiguity.Sampling units are groups rather than individuals.A sample of such clusters is then selected.All units from the selected clusters are studied.

Cluster sampling

Section 4

Section 5

Section 3

Section 2Section 1

Accidental, Haphazard or convenience sampling

members of the population are chosen based on their relative ease of access. To sample friends, co-workers, or shoppers at a single mall, any one on the street

Snowball method

The first respondent refers to next and then a chain starts Example: Addicts, HIV etc.

Judgmental sampling or Purposive sampling

The researcher chooses the sample based on who they think would be appropriate for the study. This is used primarily when there is a limited number of people that have expertise in the area being researched.

Quota sampling: There are two types of quota sampling: proportional. In proportional

quota sampling you want to represent the major characteristics of the population by sampling a proportional amount of each.

Non proportional:

Non proportional quota sampling is a bit less restrictive. the minimum number of sampled units is specified in each category. not concerned with having numbers that match the proportions in the population

Ad hoc quotas: A quota is established (say 65% women) and researchers are free to

choose any respondent they wish as long as the quota is met. Expert Sampling Expert sampling :involves the assembling of a sample of persons with

known or demonstrable experience and expertise in some area. Often, we convene such a sample under the auspices of a "panel of

experts." There are actually two reasons you might do expert sampling. First, because it would be the best way to elicit the views of persons who have specific expertise.

Errors in sample

Systematic error (or bias) Inaccurate response

(information bias)– Selection bias

Sampling error (random error)Sampling error is any type of bias that is attributable to mistakes in either drawing a sample ordetermining the sample size

Type-I Error

The probability of finding a difference with our sample compared to population, and there really isn’t one….

Known as the α (or “type 1 error”)Usually set at 5% (or 0.05)

Type-II Error

The probability of not finding a difference that actually exists between our sample compared to the population…

Known as the β (or “type 2 error”)Power is (1- β) and is usually 80%

Factors Affecting Sample Size for Probability Designs

Variability of the population characteristic under investigation

Level of confidence desired in the estimateDegree of precision desired in estimating the

population characteristic

Comparison b/w Probability and Nonprobability Sampling

The difference between nonprobability and probability sampling is that nonprobability sampling does not involve random selection and probability sampling does.

Nonprobability sampling techniques cannot be used to infer from the sample to the general population.

Any generalizations obtained from a nonprobability sample must be filtered through one's knowledge of the topic being studied.

Performing nonprobability sampling is considerably less expensive than doing probability sampling, but the results are of limited value.

When estimating a population mean

n = (Z2B,CL)(σ2/e2)

n estimates of a population proportion are of concern

n = (Z2B,CL)([P x Q]/e2)

Probability Sampling and Sample Sizes

Probability Sampling Advantages

Less prone to biasAllows estimation of magnitude of

sampling error, from which you can

determine the statistical significance

of changes/differences in indicators

Probability Sampling Disadvantages

Requires that you have a list of all

sample elements More time-consumingMore costly No advantage when small

numbers of elements are to be chosen

Non Probability Sampling Advantages

More flexibleLess costly Less time-consuming Judgmentally representative samples may be preferred

when small numbers of elements

are to be chosen.

Non Probability Sampling Disadvantages

Greater risk of biasMay not be possible to

generalize to program target

population Subjectivity can make it

difficult to measure changes in

indicators overtime No way to assess precision

or reliability of data

Thank you