Sampling

 Selection of an appropriate subgroup of a

population for study purpose
 Samples can be studied quickly compared to
populations
 Saves
– time
– cost of research
– Manpower
– logistics
 Can be
A- Probability sampling:
B- Non probability sampling
Sampling- Probability sampling

A- Probability sampling:
Has a representative sample which closely
describes the characteristics of the
universe. Each member has an equal
chance of being selected
 Can be
1. Simple random sampling procedure
2. Systematic random sampling procedure
3. Stratified sampling
4. Cluster sampling

‫ﺷﻤﻂﺎﺀ صوﻓﻴﻪ‬
 simple random sample
 The is often used when
– there is very little information available about the
data population,
– when the data population has far too many differences
to divide into various subsets (varied characteristics)
– or when there is only one distinct characteristic
among the data population.
– A simple random sample takes a small, basic portion
of the entire population to represent the entire data
set (represents the equivalent of the entire
population)
 Using simple random sampling allows
researchers to make generalizations
about a specific population and leave
out any bias
 may not have an accurate
representation of the entire population.
Sampling - Probability sampling:
contd
1. Simple random :

members have an equal chance of being selected

– Simple random sampling with replacement

– Simple random sampling without replacement

Researcher has no personal choice in selection so

selection remains non-biased
 e.g. simple random sampling
 Suppose from a list of 500 households we are
interested in knowing the political affiliation of 5%
of the population
– 5% of 500 = 25 (households).
– Allot an identification numbers from 001-500 to these
households from where sample is to be drawn
– This ID number is called the sampling frame
– From random number tables select 3 columns (as
population is 3 digits). Computer generated lists can also
be used
– Includes numbers between 001 & 500 from these table
columns and reject others till 25 are selected
– If number repeated, ignore
– Always have reserve sample for non response
(5-10%)
 Sampling - Probability sampling:
contd

 Systematic Random Sampling :

involves a method where a larger population can be
divided into smaller groups, that usually don’t
overlap but represent the entire population
together
While sampling these groups can be organized and
then draw a sample from each group separately

 is preferable to simple random sampling when

there is a low risk of data manipulation
2 Systematic Random Sampling :
sample members from a larger population are
selected according to a random starting point
but with a fixed, periodic interval (the
sampling interval)
list of universe made, the fraction nth to be
included in the sample calculated, first
number taken by random selection and nth
figure added and included
A common method is to arrange or classify by
sex, age, ethnicity and similar ways. Splitting
subjects into mutually exclusive groups and then
using simple random sampling to choose members
from groups
list of universe made, the fraction nth to be
included in the sample calculated, first number
taken by random selection and nth figure added
and included
 e.g. for Systematic random
sampling
 Suppose a dentist is interested in
studying the quality of 200
endodontically treated 1st molar teeth
based on 1000 available x-rays.
– To determine the nth x-ray, 1000/200= 5
– Allot ID number to x-rays
– Randomly select the 1st x-ray between 1 & 5
– Next select every x-ray by adding 5 to the
subsequent number till sample of 200 is
completed
 stratified random samples are used with populations
that can be easily broken into different subgroups
or subsets
 groups are based on certain criteria ensuring the
strata do not overlap ( are mutually exclusive)
 Elements are randomly chosen from each group in
proportion to the group's size versus the population
  i.e. the size of the sample selected from each
group is based on its proportion to the entire
population
 Disadvantages include over- or under-
representation of particular patterns
and a greater risk of data manipulation
 If the population placed on the list is
organized in a cyclical pattern that
matches the sampling interval, the
selected sample may be biased
Sampling - Probability sampling ..contd
3 Stratified Sampling:
sometimes also called proportional random
sampling or quota random sampling
widely used and very useful when the target
population is heterogeneous
divides the population into smaller groups, or
strata, based on shared characteristics

e.g. age, sex, profession etc. and a random

selection is made from each stratum
 e.g. stratified sampling
 From the previous example of
endodontically treated 1st molar teeth,
the dentist may be interested in
comparison of the quality of treatment
in different age groups
– The population of x-rays are first divided
into groups based on age groups
– ID allotted to each x-ray
– From each group a predetermined number
of x-rays is selected
 Advantages of stratified
sampling
 Because it uses specific characteristics, it can
provide a more accurate representation of the
population based on what's used to divide it into
different subsets
 often requires a smaller sample size, which can
save resources and time
 a separate analysis on each individual stratum can
be conducted
 Disadvantages of stratified
sampling
 more work is required to pull a
stratified sample than a random sample
 Researchers must individually track
and verify the data for each stratum
for inclusion, which can take a lot
more time compared with random
sampling
4 Cluster Sampling :
 is used to avoid movement over large
area. The area is divided into
geographic localities e.g. union
councils, streets, mohallahs, schools
etc. then a cluster of households or
persons is randomly selected
 More often used in epidemiological
research in clinical studies
 Results from two stage process
– Dividing population into clusters
– Random selection of clusters
 e.g. cluster sampling
 For Household survey in a city
– Select city blocks as clusters
– Random selection of city blocks
– Random selection of households / all households
 Multicentre trials
– Institutions identified – cluster
– ID alloted
– Institutions randomly selected
– All Patients / randomly selected patients
 Cluster sampling considered less
precise than other methods of
sampling
 save costs on obtaining a sample
 may be used when completing a list of
the entire population is difficult
B- Non probability sampling
Used when populations units are highly variable and
sample is small
Precise estimates of the population are not available
Easier & manageable but results cannot be
generalized to the universe because of non
randomization of selection criteria (does not
represent the population)- selection bias may be
present
– Can be
1. Volunteers
2. Convenience sampling
3. Purposive sampling
4. Snowball sampling
5. Quota sampling
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1. Volunteers voluntary participation
2. Convenience selection is those who may
be conveniently available and
agree to participate
3. Purposive includes those who fulfill the
inclusion criteria or the
characteristics of study interest
4. Snowball sampling subjects added to the
study as it progresses.
More appropriate for rare diseases or those situations/
conditions with some stigma attached
1. Quota quota is fixed for certain
sections of the population to
ensure participation e.g.
politicians, senior citizens etc.