RSCH -6011

IMPORTANCE OF RANDOM SAMPLING AND

BIAS
MODULE- 9

TEAM MEMBERS
ABIN JOSE - 0946848
BINSON KARICKAL SONY -0962456

Introduction
Random sampling is one of most straightforward methods of gathering data from a
population. It is a technique wherein each sample has been equal probability of
being picked. The sample that has been chosen should be unbiased however when
the sample does not represent the total population it is called a sampling error. So,
to avoid sampling bias, the researchers should use simple random sampling
methods in which samples were carefully chosen and equal representation of
members of population must be chosen.

Sampling bias means the samples that are collected do not represent the population
because of random reasons. To avoid sampling bias researchers should be careful
about the research design and the procures also oversampling can be used to
correct under coverage bias.

Advantages of Random sampling

1. Simplest form of Data collection

2. Easier to form sample groups

3. Equal chance of selection

4. Multiple types of random sampling can be used to reduce bias

Disadvantages

1. Complex, time consuming and costly

2. High level of experience and skill needed

3. Chance of biased information

4. A large sample group is necessary

Examples
Random sampling

The total workforce of an organisations is 500 and the organisation is planning to

conduct a survey on the job satisfaction of the employees, a sample group of 50
employees is selected by the company representatives for the survey. so, the
population is the total number of employees in the company and the sample group
of 50 employees is the sample size. In random sampling method each employee
has an equal opportunity to be chosen by the representative for the survey.

How sampling bias occur

For example, surveying the outcome of a presidential election of a country by exit

poll. The researchers surveyed 5000 voters based on their voting intentions can
predict an accurate likely winner if the sample population is a representative of
whole voters. But instead the surveying team surveyed only 5000 young white
males then the views of many other important parts like ethnic minorities, elderly
people, blue collar workers and women are not represented in the sample and the
ability to predict the outcome of the election should be greatly reduced.

Conclusion

Random sampling is an important method to collect data from a group of people

when the population is very large. It is simple but complex. When conducting the
sample if the researchers do not use proper techniques and sampling method the
result of the research will be likely biased, so it is very important for the
researchers to be careful while conducting research.

Reference
1. Times, E. (2012). What is Random Sampling? Definition of Random Sampling, Random
Sampling Meaning. Retrieved November 18, 2020, from
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/definition/random-sampling

2. Panzeri, S., Magri, C., & Carraro, L. (2008). Sampling bias. Retrieved November 18, 2020,
from http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Sampling_bias