EMT 3200

Engineering Mathematics V
Topic: Random Sampling and
….Sampling Methods

Group Members: Awwaab Baksh - 1016807

Parmesh Parsotam - 1016089
Ugesh Persaud - 1021464
Andy Ramsundar - 1020324
Rawl Sawh - 1016230
David Yankanah – 1015993
 Outline of Presentation
 Objectives
 Introduction
 What is Sampling
 Forms of Sampling
 Sampling Methods
 Errors in Sampling
 Ways to Minimize Sampling Error
 Conclusion
 Further Problems
 References
 Objectives
To develop an understanding and appreciation of the different sampling
methods used in Statistical Analysis, and to highlight their useful
applications.

Students should be able to:

 Identify the main categories of sampling methods;
 List the different types of sampling methods;
 Apply any of the sampling techniques or methods shown to any given
scenario.
 Introduction
 Research is a scientific and systematic search for
pertinent information on a specific topic.

 Sampling may play an important role in research

because of the significant impact that it can have on the
quality of your results or findings.
 Introduction (Key Terms)

 Population (N) – the total set of observation to be made or the

larger set of objects to be studied.
e.g. A stockpile of coarse aggregate (stone).

 Sample (n) – a set of observations drawn from a population or a

set of ‘representative’ objects we choose in order to estimate the
characteristics of the larger set of objects.
e.g. aggregates that passes through the No.4 Sieve.
 Introduction (Key Terms)

 Sampling Frame – the set of sampling units from which the

sample will be drawn i.e. the list of all the sampling units
from which the sample is drawn.

 Sampling Unit – the potential member of a sample i.e. the

subject under observation on which information is
collected.
General Summary of Sample Terms
Population

Sampling Frame

Sample
 What is Sampling?

 Sampling is the process of selecting a small number of

elements from a larger defined group of elements, such
that, the information gathered from the small group
will allow judgments to be made about the larger
group.
 What is Sampling?

 Sampling methods have been utilized as a powerful

tool in statistical analysis to gather data in various
fields of study such as medicine, agriculture, social
sciences, natural science and applied sciences such as
engineering.
 Forms of Sampling

 Sampling can be further broken down into two (2)

main categories:
1. Probability Sampling Methods
2. Non-Probability Sampling Methods.
 Probability Sampling
 Is any method of sampling that utilizes some form of
random selection of data to help solve a problem on the
whole data.

 In this method, each member of the population has an

equal chance of being selected.
 Probability Sampling
 These procedures are very clearly defined, making it
easy to follow them.

 Since the characteristics of the sample researchers are

interested in varies, different types of probability
sampling methods exist to help you select the
appropriate units to be included in your sample.
 Probability Sampling

There are five (5) different Probability Sampling

Methods:
 Simple Random Sampling
 Stratified Random Sampling
 Cluster Sampling
 Systematic Sampling
 Multi-Stage Sampling
 Simple Random Sampling
 A simple random sample is a small number of subjects (a
sample) that are chosen from a larger group (population).
Each sample is chosen from the population at random in
this method of sampling and has an equal probability or
chance of being selected.

 It is both the easiest sampling method to understand and

the one on which other types are modeled.
 Population
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1112 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
 Simple Random Sampling
Simple Random Sampling can be either:
 Replacement Sampling – Each item may be chosen more than once

since it is replaced into the population before another selection is made.

 Non-Replacement Sampling - Each item chosen is removed from the

population once it has been chosen once. Hence, each item cannot be
chosen more than once.
 Simple Random Sampling
  Probability calculation:


Replacement: Pr = =
Non-Replacement: Pr =
Where Pr is the probability for a given turn
N is the total number of items in the list
r is the turn number
 Example 1 – Replacement Sampling
 A population of 50 engineers is selected for sampling. A
replacement simple random sampling was conducted and the
first engineer selected from the population was a mechanical
engineer while the second engineer selected was a civil
engineer. Based on the given information, calculate the
probability of selecting the first and second engineers
respectively.
Example 1 – Replacement Sampling

  
For either engineer: P = = 0.02 = 2%
 Example 2 – Non-Replacement Sampling
An electrical engineer has to check the calibration of 10
voltmeters. Since he is checking the calibration he decides that
he would use the non-replacement simple random sampling to
select voltmeters. The voltmeters are given a number based on
their selection, that is, the first meter selected is assigned No. 1,
the second is labeled No. 2 and so onto No. 10. Determine the
probability of selecting voltmeters 1 and 3 respectively.
Example 2 – Non-Replacement Sampling

  For voltmeter 1: P1 = = 0.10 = 10%



 For voltmeter 3: P5 = = 0.125 = 12.5%

 Simple Random Sampling

Advantages
 Lack of Bias, gives the best representation of the Population

 It is simple.

Disadvantage
 Sample Selection Bias may occur.

 It can be time consuming & costly.

 Stratified Random Sampling
 Also called proportional or quota random sampling, involves
dividing your population into homogeneous subgroups and
then taking a simple random sample in each subgroup.
 Stratified sampling is used when the population is split into
distinguishable layers or strata that are quite different from
each other, and which altogether cover the whole population,
for example: age group, occupational group, topographical
regions etc.
 Stratified Random Sampling
Steps in creating a stratified random sample:
1) Define the population
2) List the population
3) Identify & choose the relevant stratification
4) List the population according to the chosen stratification
5) Choose your sample size
6) Calculate proportionate stratification
7) Utilize a form of random sampling to establish the actual sample
Population
Population
 Stratified Random Sampling

Composition = Stratum Size × (Sample size required ÷ N)

Where N is the total number of items in the list.

 Example – Stratified Random Sampling
The Faculty of Technology has enrolled 420 students in 5 programs according to the
following:
Department of Architecture: 30
Department of Civil Engineering: 180
Department of Electrical Engineering: 60
Department of Geological Engineering: 90
Department of Mechanical Engineering: 60
The faculty wishes to evaluate the standard of deliverance of the management course
and thus decides to obtain a sample of 42 students to conduct their exercise. Using the
stratified random sampling method, determine the composition of the sample.
 Example – Stratified Random Sampling

 Department of Architecture = 30 × (42 ÷ 420) = 3

 Department of Civil Engineering = 180 × (42 ÷ 420) = 18
 Department of Electrical Engineering = 60 × (42 ÷ 420) = 6
 Department of Geological Engineering = 90 × (42 ÷ 420) = 9
 Department of Mechanical Engineering = 60 × (42 ÷ 420) = 6

 Sample Size Calculated = 3+18+6+9+6 = 42

 Stratified Random Sampling
Advantages
 Focuses on only relevant strata.
 Allows use of different sampling techniques for various strata.
 Increases the
 accuracy/efficiency of estimation.
 Allows for strata that vary in size to be sampled proportionately in
order to ensure balanced results.
Disadvantages
 Requires selection of relevant stratification variables which can be
difficult.
 Is not useful when there are no homogeneous subgroups.
 Cluster Sampling
Cluster Sampling refers to a type of Sampling Method
in which the researcher divides the population into
separate groups, called Clusters. Then, a simple
random sample of clusters is selected from the
population. The researcher conducts his analysis on
data from the sampled clusters.
 Cluster Sampling
In cluster sampling, we follow these steps:
1. divide population into clusters
2. randomly sample clusters
3. measure all units within sampled clusters

Very useful when the population is widely dispersed and it is

impractical or costly to list and sample from all of its elements.
 Population

4th Street

5th Street

6th Street
 Cluster Sampling
Advantages
 It is cheap, quick, and easy.
 The sample is more localized in few clusters rather than being scattered
over the coverage area.
Disadvantages
 Provides less precision than either simple random sampling or stratified
sampling.
 It can have a high sampling error. This is caused by the limited clusters
included in the sample, which leaves a significant proportion of the
population un-sampled.
 Example – Cluster Sampling

Government of Guyana wants to carry out a survey to determine the

amount of Civil Engineers specialized in Drainage and Irrigation in the
country.
 Example – Cluster Sampling
 Since it would be too costly and time consuming to survey every
engineering organization in the country. Instead 100 firms are
randomly selected from all over the country. These firms are
considered to be clusters and then every engineer in each of these 100
firms are surveyed. Thus, Engineers in the sample of 100 represent all
Drainage and Irrigation Engineers in Guyana.
 Systematic Sampling
 Systematic sampling (also known as interval sampling) relies on
arranging the study population according to some ordering
scheme and then selecting elements at regular intervals through
that ordered list.
 Systematic sampling involves a random start and then proceeds

with the selection of every kth element from then onwards.

 Systematic Sampling
Here are the steps you need to follow in order to achieve a systematic
random sample:
1) number the units in the population from 1 to N
2) decide on the n (sample size) that you want or need
3) k = N/n = the interval size
4) The first integer is then selected between 1 to k
5) then take every kth unit
 Example – Systematic Sampling
 A Control Engineer working at Edward Beharry decides to use
the Systematic Sampling technique to test the quality of a new
line of Chico products. Each hour 1000 items are processed
and passed along a conveyor belt for packaging. He designs a
system in which he enters the sample numbers into a computer
and the samples are diverted to another section of the plant for
Quality verification. He decides to use a sample size of 50.
Calculate the first fifteen sample numbers he entered if the first
number randomly generated is 14.
 Example – Systematic Sampling

 Sample Interval = 1000/50 = 20

 The sample numbers are:
1. 14 7. 114 13. 234
2. 14+20 = 34 8. 134 14. 254
3. 14+20+20 = 54 9. 154 15. 274
4. 74 10. 174
5. 94 11. 194
6. 114 12. 214
 Systematic Sampling
Advantages
 Selecting a random number to start with, then following a scheme is simpler

and more organized than choosing random samples throughout the sampling
procedure (as in the case of simple random sampling).

Disadvantage
 A list is needed to start calculating the sampling interval. Also, for large

populations, computer programs may be required to select every k th term.

 Multi-Stage Sampling
This is a combination of two or more of the four (4) previous methods.

Multi-stage sampling, like cluster sampling, involves selecting a sample

within each chosen cluster, rather than including all units in the cluster.

Therefore, multi-stage sampling must have at least two stages.

Essentially any combination of random sampling techniques can be

utilized in this technique.
 Multi-Stage Sampling
Stages in Multi-Stage sampling are as follows:
1. The first stage of multi-stage sampling is the construction of
clusters.
2. The second stage is deciding what desirous elements within
the cluster are being analyze.
3. This selection of characteristics of elements within subsets of
subsets is done until the final characteristic is achieved.
 Example - Multi-Stage Sampling
 A proposal was made to the upper management of the University of
Guyana by the Civil Engineering Department to construct an on-
campus hangout for students interested in after-hours extra curriculum
activities. Management suggests that the plan is infeasible and that
proof is necessary that students will be interested in such an
investment. Design a sampling scheme which will effectively
interview an unbiased group of students about their opinion on the
matter.
 Example - Multi-Stage Sampling
 Suppose the University hypothetically consists of 4000 students
distributed over 5 faculties through years 1 to 4.
 Due to the high degree of non-uniformity in the population as well as
its large size, multi-stage sampling will be utilized in which 400
students will be interviewed.
 Now, firstly the students will be stratified on the basis of their faculty,
thus resulting in 5 groups/strata.
 Example - Multi-Stage Sampling
 Next, within each strata, clusters will be made of students from years 1
to 4, resulting in a total of 20 clusters across the population.

 20 students will be chosen randomly from each year per strata and
interviewed, thus resulting in a representative sample of 400 students.
 Multi-Stage Sampling
Advantages
 Cost Effective
 Survey can be done rather quickly
 Generally more accurate than cluster sampling for equivalent population
size
 Highly effective for large population sizes
Disadvantage
 Still not as accurate as other random sampling methods (with the
exception of cluster sampling).
 Non-Probability Sampling
 Is a sampling technique where the samples are gathered in a process
that does not give all the individuals in the population equal chances of
being selected.
 It involves the selection of elements based on subjective judgement
and assumptions regarding the population of interest, which forms the
criteria for selection.
 Non-Probability Sampling

 The disadvantage of the non-probability sampling method is that

an unknown proportion of the entire population was not
sampled.

 This entails that the sample may or may not represent the entire
population accurately. Therefore, the results of the research
cannot be used in generalizations pertaining to the entire
population.
 Non-Probability Methods of Sampling

There are two (2) Non-Probability Sampling Methods:

 Quota Sampling

 Convenience Sampling
 Quota Sampling
 Is a sampling technique where the researcher ensures equal or
proportionate representation of subjects depending on which trait is
considered as basis of the quota.
 It is widely used in market research where the population is divided
into groups in terms of sex, age, income etc.
 The interviewer is told how many persons to interview within each
specific group, but is given no specific instruction about how to locate
them.
 This method is used in street interview surveys.
 Convenience Sampling
 With convenience sampling, the samples are selected because
they are accessible to the researcher.
 Subjects are chosen simply because they are easy to recruit.
 This technique is considered easiest, cheapest and least time
consuming.
 It is probably the most common of all sampling techniques.
 Errors in Sampling

 Sampling error is the deviation of the selected sample from

the true characteristics, traits, behaviors, qualities or figures
of the entire population.

 When you take a sample, it is only a subset of the entire

population therefore, there may be a difference between the
sample and population.
 Ways to Minimize Sampling Error
 There is only one way to eliminate this error. This solution is
to eliminate the concept of sample, and to test the entire
population.
 In most cases this is not possible; however, what a researcher
can do is to minimize sampling process error.
This can be achieved by use of proper and unbiased probability
sampling and/or by using a large sample size.
Ways to Minimize Sampling Error
 Conclusion
 It can be concluded that sampling methods are useful tools in
statistical analysis that can furnish an investigator with the
required data that is representative of a population of
elements in various fields of work.
 As engineering students, we should combine and utilize these
simple methods described earlier in a variety of useful ways
that help us to attain data from a large groups in the most
efficient and effective manner possible.
 Applications of Sampling in Engineering
Civil Engineering
 Samples (Cubes/Cylinders) are taken and tested in order to determine the
approximate compressive strength of a batch of concrete.
Electrical Engineering
 Periodic sampling of current and voltage waveforms are used to
determine average electric power draw from electrical supply systems.
Mechanical Engineering
 Oil samples are taken and tested as a means of detecting any abnormal
wear during the testing phase of internal combustion engines.
 Recap
Sampling

Non-
Probability
Probability
Sampling
Sampling

Simple Stratified
Cluster Systematic Multi-Stage Quota Convenienc
Random Random
Sampling Sampling Sampling Sampling e Sampling
Sampling Sampling

Non-
Replacemen
Replacemen
t Sampling
t Sampling
 Further Problems
Question 1
In GT&T’s Residential Sales department, the supervisor uses
the Simple Non-Replacement Random Sampling technique to
verify whether the forms submitted by employees are error free.
Each day, 100 forms are submitted. Calculate the probability, to
three decimal places, of selecting the first five forms.
 Further Problems
  
Question 1 - Solution
PR =
For the first form 1: P1 = = 0.010 = 1%
For the second form 2: P2 = = 0.0101 = 1.01%
For the third form 3: P3 = = 0.0102 = 1.02%
For fourth form 4: P4 = = 0.0103 = 1.03%
For fifth form 5: P5 = = 0.0104 = 1.04%
 Further Problems
Question 2
A Quality Assurance Manager working in a Caterpillar factory
has to do random testing on 20 Excavators. Calculate the
probability of selecting the 1st, 10th and 12th Excavators using
replacement simple random sampling technique.
 Further Problems
  
Question 2 - Solution
Pr =
Pr = = 0.05 = 5%
Note: (for 1st, 10th and 12th since replacement method is used)
 Further Problems
Question 3
In general the size of the sample in each stratum is taken in proportion to the size of the
stratum. This is called proportional allocation. Suppose that in a company there are the
following staff:
 Male, Full-Time: 90
 Male, Part-Time: 18
 Female, Full-Time: 9
 Female, Part-Time: 63
And we are asked to take a sample of 40 staff, stratified according to the above
categories.
 Further Problems
Question 3 - Solution
Composition = Stratum Size × (Sample size required ÷ N)
 male, full-time = 90 × (40 ÷ 180) = 20
 male, part-time = 18 × (40 ÷ 180) = 4
 female, full-time = 9 × (40 ÷ 180) = 2
 female, part-time = 63 × (40 ÷ 180) = 14
 Further Problems
Question 4
One sixth form class in the school of a small country town has 15 students. The
fifteen records below indicate whether a student is male of female (M of F), lives in
the town or in the country (T or C) and gives their GCSE points a score (a number).
(M,C,18), (M,T,33), (M,C,26), (M,C,27), (M,C,23), (M,C,29), (M,C,30), (M,T,28),
(M,T,34), (F,T,35), (F,T,30), (F,T,39), (F,C,19), (F,T,25), (F,C,19)
A team of five students is needed to represent the class in an inter–school
competition. Discuss the different ways in which stratified random sampling could
be used to select the team.
 Further Problems
Question 4 - Solution
This is an example of a population which is stratified in several ways:
1. By sex (19 males and 6 females)
2. By residence (6 town and 9 country)
3. By GCSE point score (3 students <20 points, 6 students 20≤ points <30, 6 students 30≤
points < 40)
A stratified random sample of 5 team members, with proportional allocation would give:
4. For (1): males = 3; female = 2
5. For (2): town students = 2 and country students = 3
6. For (3): Students with point score <20: = 1; Students with 20≤ points < 30: = 2; Students
with 30≤ points < 40: =2
 Further Problems
Question 5
A systematic sample was carried out in a computer
manufacturing plant to investigate the number of computer
manufactured with defects. Within every hour 600 computers
are manufactured and a sample of 30 computers is tested for
defects. Determine the sampling interval (N)?
 Further Problems
Question 5 - Solution
Sampling Interval (k) = N/n
= 600/30
= 20
 References
1. Malterud, K., 2001. Qualitative research: standards, challenges, and guidelines. The lancet,
358(9280), pp.483-488.

2. Liu, J.S., 1996. Metropolized independent sampling with comparisons to rejection sampling and
importance sampling. Statistics and Computing, 6(2), pp.113-119.

3. Suri, H., 2011. Purposeful sampling in qualitative research synthesis. Qualitative Research
Journal, 11(2), pp.63-75.

4. Marshall, M.N., 1996. Sampling for qualitative research. Family practice, 13(6), pp.522-526.

5. http://stattrek.com/Lesson6/SRS.aspx
Thank You, Any Questions?