DEM 4214

Research Project in Demography

Sampling Techniques

1
Methodology
 Secondary Data Sets
a. Study Design
b. Source of Data
c. Description of the Data set(s)
d. Sample size description
e. Operationalization of Variables
a. Independent Variables
b. Dependent Variable
f. Data analysis
g. Ethical issues
h. Limitations
 Primary Data (Collecting own
Data)
a. Study type (Design)
b. Focus Population/Sample
c. Location
d. Sampling Techniques
e. Sampling Procedures
f. Materials (Tools: Questionnaires, Interview guides, FGDs schedule
etc.)
g. Variables
a. Dependent Variable
b. Independent Variable
h. Analysis (Qualitative, Quantitative)
i. Ethical Issues
j. Limitations
What is Sampling?
 Introduction to Survey
Sampling
Survey sampling is the process of selecting a sample from a
finite population according to a sample design
• Population (or target population): The entire group of
individuals of interest for a study.
• Sampling Unit: An element or individual in the target
population.
• Sample: A subset of the population that is selected for a study.
• Sample Design: The procedures and rules by which sampling
units are selected.
• Sampling Frame: A complete list of sampling units in the
population.
• Sampling error: Difference between a sample statistic used to a
population parameter and the actual but unknown value of the
population
 Estimation
• Aim to estimate a population
parameter: a summary measure
that describes the target
population
• A sample statistic is a summary
measure of the sample which
estimates a population parameter
 Probability vs Non-Probability
Sampling
Probability Sampling
• Every element of the population has a known
probability of being included in the sample.
• Data are considered fixed.
• Can make probability statements about sample
statistics without further assumptions\
Non-Probability Sampling
• Probability that each element will be included in the
sample cannot be specified.
• Models needed to support probability-based
inferences
Simple Random Sampling
Systematic Sampling
 Stratified Sampling
Strata: Non-overlapping subgroups of the target
population, such as geographic areas or
demographic subgroups (gender, age groups,
socioeconomic status).
•Samples are selected independently within strata.
•Can ensure adequate sample size for subgroups of
interest, including small subgroups.
•Improves precision of estimates.
 Cluster Sampling
Cluster: A group of sampling units, such as
households, schools, clinics, or geographic areas.
•Clusters are the primary unit of selection, not
individuals.
•Cost-efficient (simpler sample frame and lower
travel costs).
•Can result in a loss of.
• Probability proportional to size (PPS): Larger
clusters have a greater probability of being
sampled
 Multi-stage Sampling
More complex form of cluster sampling, where the
sample design is carried out in stages, using smaller
units at each stage.

Health survey example:

•Primary sampling unit (PSU): Enumeration area
•Secondary sampling unit: Household
•Ultimate sampling unit: Individual
 Sources of Error in Sample
Surveys
Non-sampling error
1. Differences between population and sampling
frame
• Undercoverage
• Over coverage
• Duplicate listings

2. Non-response (missing data)

• Refusal to participate
• Absent at time of survey

3. Measurement error
Sources of Error in Sample
Surveys
 Sampling Weights
Sampling weights (or survey weights):
positive values associated with each unit in
the sample
•Necessary to ensure estimates are representative
•Commonly calculated as the reciprocal of the
selection probability
•Can be adjusted for non-response or errors in the
sampling frame