1/26/2021 Systematic Sampling - Research Methodology

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Systematic Sampling
In systematic sampling (also called systematic random sampling) every Nth member of population is selected to be included in the study. It
is a probability sampling method. It has been stated that “with systematic sampling, every Kth item is selected to produce a sample of size n
from a population size of N”[1]. Systematic sampling requires an approximated frame for a priori but not the full list.

As it is the case with any other sampling method, you will have to obtain confirmation from your dissertation supervisor about your choice of
systematic sampling, total size of population, size of your sample group and the value of N sample fraction before starting collecting the
primary data.

Application of Systematic Sampling: an Example

You can apply systematic sampling in your thesis in the following manner:

1. Label each member of the sample group with a unique identification number (ID).

2. Calculate the sampling fraction by dividing the sample size to the total number of the population:

The sampling fraction result is guidance for applying systematic sampling. For example, if your sampling fraction is equal to 1/5, you will
need to choose one in every five cases; that is every fifth case from the sampling frame. In instances where calculations result in a more
complicated fraction, especially for large sample sizes, you can round your population to the nearest 10 or 100.

3. The first sample has to be chosen in a random manner. It is important to select the first sample randomly to ensure probability
sampling aspect of the systematic sampling. In other words, if the first sample is selected from the start of the sample frame all the time, the
samples between the sample fractions (samples between every fifth cases in example above) will not have a chance of being included in the
sample group. Therefore, the fist case needs to be selected randomly to overcome this issue.

4. Additional members of sample group are chosen by recruiting each Nth subject (5th subject in example above) among the
population.

Let’s illustrate the application of stages above using a specific example.

Suppose your dissertation topic is A Study into the Impact Leadership Style on Employee Motivation in ABC Company and you have chosen
semi-structured in-depth interview as primary data collection method. ABC Company has 200 operational level employees who could be
potentially interviewed. You identified your sample size as 24 subjects, i.e. you will interview 12 employees.

You will have to do the following:

1. Label each employee with a unique number.

2. Calculate the sampling fraction.

Sampling fraction = Actual Sample Size/Total Population = 24/200 = 3/25.

This sampling fraction can be narrowed down to 1/8. Accordingly, every 8th member of the sampling frame needs to be selected to
participate in the study.

3. Choose the first sample randomly. Suppose you randomly seleced the sample #47 as the starting point for selecting samples.
Accordingly, your sample group will comprise of ABC Company employees under the following numbers: #47; #55; #63; #71; #79; #87; #95;
#103; #111; #119; #127; #135; #143; #151; #159; #167; #175; #183; #191; #199; #7; #15; #23; #31
https://research-methodology.net/sampling-in-primary-data-collection/systematic-sampling/ 1/2
1/26/2021 Systematic Sampling - Research Methodology
#103; #111; #119; #127; #135; #143; #151; #159; #167; #175; #183; #191; #199; #7; #15; #23; #31.

Advantages of Systematic Sampling

1. When done correctly, this method will approximate the results of simple random sampling.

2. Systematic sampling is cost and time efficient. This is an important aspect of systematic sampling which makes it applicable in many
situations.
3. Systematic sampling is effectively suitable in collecting data from geographically disperse cases (that do not require face-to-face
contact).

Disadvantages of Systematic Sampling

1. Systematic sampling can be applied only if the complete list of population is available.
2. If there are periodic patterns within the dataset, the sample will be biased.
3. If study participants deduce the sampling interval, this can bias the population as non-participants will be different from study
participants.

My e-book, The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Dissertation in Business Studies: a step by step approach contains a detailed, yet simple
explanation of sampling methods. The e-book explains all stages of the research process starting from the selection of the research area to
writing personal reflection. Important elements of dissertations such as research philosophy, research approach, research design, methods
of data collection and data analysis are explained in this e-book in simple words. John Dudovskiy

References

[1] Bajpai, N. (2010) “Business Statistics” Pearson Education India

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