AGR 3204

Experimental Design and research methods

in biological sciences

Topic: Population Vs Sample

Group Members:
Akinyele Newton 1037203
Tanneica Benjamin 1037851
Shellon Massiah 1034626
Surendra Kaneez 1037040
Population
 Population
Definition

A population is defined as the entire group of elements

that the researcher wants to draw conclusions about.

Example:

Citizens of Guyana

(Bhandari, 2020)

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 Population
Collection of data from a population
• Requirement of the research.
• Access to the entire population.

Example:

Analysis of the final exam scores of all graduating seniors of a high

school to identify trends.

(Bhandari, 2020)

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Sample
 Sample
Definition

A sample is defined as the specific group of elements

from the population that data is collected from.

Example:

Students of the University of Guyana

(Bhandari, 2020)
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 Sample
Collection of data from a sample
Used when the population is:
• large in size
• geographically dispersed
• difficult to contact

(Bhandari, 2020)
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 Sample
Sample frame

Complete list of all the member units of the population.

Sampling units are drawn from sample frame.

Example:

A list of all third year chemistry major students of the

University of Guyana who obtained A in physical
chemistry.

(Bhandari, 2020)
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 Sample
Sample size

Number of elements within the sample.

Usually represented by the symbol n.

(Bhandari, 2020)
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Statistic Vs Parameter
Statistic vs Parameter
Definition and examples

Statistic Parameter

Number describing a Number describing a

Definition sample population

Standard deviation of Standard deviation of weights

Example weights of avocados from of all avocados from all farms in
one farm in the region the region

(Bhandari, 2020)

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Statistic vs Parameter
Typical symbols used
Population
Sample Statistic
Parameter

Mean 𝑥ҧ 𝜇

Standard deviation s 𝜎

2 2
Variance s 𝜎

(Bhandari, 2020)
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 Sample
Determining sample size

Factors to consider:
Population size
Margin of error (confidence interval)
Confidence level
Degree of variability

(Bhandari, 2020)

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 Sample
Determining sample size
Population size

• How many elements are in your population?

• It is common to not know the exact size. An

estimate is normally used.

(Bhandari, 2020)

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 Sample
Determining sample size
Margin of error or confidence interval

• How much error will you allow?

• This range is often expressed in percentage

points, (e.g., ±5 percent).

(Bhandari, 2020)

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 Sample
Determining sample size

Confidence level
• How confident you want to be that the actual mean
falls within your margin of error.

• Common confidence intervals are 90%, 95%, and

99%.

(Bhandari, 2020)

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 Sample
Determining sample size

Degree of variability
• Refers to the distribution of attributes in the population.

• More heterogenous population, larger sample size.

• More homogenous population, smaller sample size.

• 0.5 is normally used to obtain a more conservative sample.

(Bhandari, 2020)

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 Sample
Determining sample size
Using the formula:

Cochran’s Sample Size Formula (for large populations)

(𝑍 2 𝑝𝑞)
𝑛0 =
𝑒2
Where:
e is the margin of error
p is degree of variability
q is 1 – p
Z is the Z score

(Israel,2012)
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 Sample
Determining sample size
Using the formula:

Cochran’s Sample Size Formula (small populations)

𝑛0
𝑛=
𝑛 −1
1+ 0
N
Where:
N is population size
𝑛0 is initial sample size (calculated from previous equation)
𝑛 is the determined sample size

(Israel, 2012)
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 Sample
Determining sample size
Other methods:
• Conduct a census if population is small
• Use a table of values
• Use a sample size calculator
• Use sample size from similar studies

(Israel, 2012)
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Sampling methods
 Sample
Sampling methods
Two types:
• Probability – each sampling unit has equal chance of being
selected.

• Nonprobability – selection of sample is based on availability

or geographical proximity rather than by chance.

(Bhandari, 2020)

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 Sample
Sampling methods
Types of sampling methods:
Probability Non-Probability

Simple random Convenience (Accidental)

Systematic Snowball

Stratified Purposive (Judgement)

Cluster Quota

Self selection (Voluntary)

(Bhandari, 2020)

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Sampling error
 Sampling error
What is it?

• The difference between the population parameter and the sample

statistic.

• Normally as a result of random uncontrollable variables.

• Usually minimized by increasing sample size.

(Frost, n.d.)

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 Sampling error
What is it?

Is generally affected by:

• Variability in population
• Sampling method

(Frost, n.d.)

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 Sampling error
What is it?

Can be evaluated by statistical methods such as:

• Hypothesis testing
• Confidence interval

(Frost, n.d.)

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Sampling Bias
 Sampling Bias
What is it?

Occurs when the sample is not representative of

population.

Normally due to unequal probabilities associated

with selection of sample elements.

(Bhandari, 2022)

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 Sampling Bias
Causes

• Research design or data collection.

• Challenges in obtaining data from sample.

• Can occur in both probability and non-

probability sampling.

(Bhandari, 2022)

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 Sampling Bias
Causes

• Occurs in probability sampling due to missing data in

sampling frame.

• Occurs in non-probability sampling due to members

chosen on basis of convenience or availability.

(Bhandari, 2022)

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 Sampling Bias
Types
• Self-selection bias
• Nonresponse bias
• Undercoverage bias
• Survivorship bias
• Advertising bias

(Bhandari, 2022)

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 Sampling Bias
How to avoid

• Ensure sampling frame matches target

population.

• Make responding as easy as possible.

• Follow up on non-responders.

(Bhandari, 2022)

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 Sampling Bias
How to avoid
• Use randomization as much as possible.

• Avoid convenience sampling.

(Bhandari, 2022)

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The End
Thank You
Questions?
References
Bhandari, P. (2022, November 18). Sampling Bias and How to Avoid It | Types & Examples.
Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/research-bias/sampling-bias/

Bhandari, P. (2020, May 14). Population Vs. Sample| Definitions, Differences & Examples.
Scribbr. Retrieved from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/population-vs-sample/

Bhandari, P. (2020, November 27). Parameter Vs. Statistic| Definitions, Differences &
Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved from https://www.scribbr.com/statistics/parameter-vs-
statistic/
References
Frost, J. (n.d.). Sampling Error: Definition, Sources & Minimizing. Statistics By Jim.
https://statisticsbyjim.com/hypothesis-testing/sampling-error/

Israel, G. D. (1992). Determining sample size.

https://www.psycholosphere.com/Determining%20sample%20size%20by%20Glen%20Isra
el.pdf
References
Kasirajan, A. (2020, June 04). Non Probability Sampling Methods Explained. Medium.
Retrieved February 20, 2023from https://medium.com/@minions.k/non-probability-
sampling-methods-explained-afab51fcbdd7

Nikolopoulou, K. (2022, December 01). What is Non-Probability Sampling?| Types &

Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved February 20, 2023 from
https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/non-probability-sampling/
References
Sample Size in Statistics (How to Find it): Excel, Cochran’s Formula, General Tips - Statistics
How To. (2021, June 30). Statistics How To. https://www.statisticshowto.com/probability-
and-statistics/find-sample-size/