Sampling Methods

Instructor: Crizylen Mae Lahoylahoy Catigbe

 Table of contents

01 Basic Concepts

Importance of Sampling
02
Preliminary Activities Before Sampling
03

Techniques of Sampling
04
Determining the Sample Size
05
 01

Basic Concepts
SAMPLING – a method of selecting few items from a given group to be investigated in
such a way as to secure data on the basis of which responsible conclusion to be drawn.

POPULATION – the aggregate of all cases the cases that conform to some designated
set of specifications

SUB-POPULATION – a particular segment or portion of the population that meets

some more defined specifications that divide a population into mutually exclusive segments.

SAMPLING FRAME – An empirically defined population from which the samples

are to be taken

SAMPLE – is the proportion or fraction of the population actually selected for

investigation and analysis.
 02

Importance of Sampling
REDUCTION OF RESEARCH COST

GREATER SPEED

WIDER SCOPE

GREATER ACCURACY
 Reduction of Research Cost

● Regardless of whether the population is big or

small, it is obviously cheaper to use smaller
aggregates as long as the sample is representative
of the population.
 Greater Speed

● Since the number of sample is smaller than the

population, the data from a sample can be
collected, organized, summarized and analyzed
more quickly than a complete enumeration
 Greater Scope

● Using a sample facilitates the inclusion of other variables in the

study without additional burden to the researcher. Thus, survey
that rely on sampling have more scope and flexibility regarding
the type of information that can be obtained (Cochran:
1997:2)
 Greater Accuracy

● Sampling reduces the number of research personnel; hence,

it facilitates the selection of the most competent personnel
and at the same time makes the conduct of intensive
training feasible. It also enhances efficient and effective
supervision of the research undertaking. Thus, we are
assured of greater accuracy in using sample rather than the
population.
 03

Preliminary Activities Before Sampling

1. Selection of Unit of Analysis

Selecting the appropriate unit of analysis in research is significantly

important in the validity of the research output. For instance, if a
study aims to determine the impact of responsiveness of a particular
program the most appropriate unit of analysis are the beneficiaries
not the implementers of the program. Using inappropriate unit of
analysis endangers the validity of the study.
2. Define the Population

Defining the population in terms of some relevant

characteristics (e.g. size, location and etc.) is a pre-requisite
in determining the sample size and identification of sampling
unit.
 3. Determine the data to be collected and the level of measurement

This includes the identification of the kind and volume of data

needed as well as the measurement to be used. Just like
population size and their location, the kind and volume of data
determine the sample size as well as the statistical tool to be
used.

For instance, correlation and regression analysis are more

appropriate in relatively small sample while Chi-square and Z
tests are more suited in big sample.
4. Organization of the Field Work

Based on the outputs of number 2 and 3 above, the researcher

determines the number of research personnel needed, their area
assignment and estimated time frame of completion. When this is
done, the researcher may proceed to sampling.
 Types of Sampling Methods

Probability Sampling Non-probability

Method Sampling Method

1. Simple Random Sampling 1. Judgemental Sampling

2. Systematic Random Sampling 2. Convenience Sampling
3. Stratified Random Sampling 3. Quota Sampling
4. Cluster Sampling 4. Theoritical Sampling
5. Snowball Sampling
6. Deviant Sampling
 Probability Sampling
Method
• Makes use of the theory of probability in
the selection of sampling units. It is
probably the reason why probability
samples are the only type of sample that
can be used when the researcher wants to
make an inference regarding the
population.
• A sample must be an accurate
representative of the population. Careful
sample selection using one of the methods
of probability sampling enhances the
likelihood that the samples will be
representative.

• It is therefore suggested to use probability

sampling method whenever possible
 Characteristics of Probability Sampling Techniques
 
The set of distinct samples ( . . .) be defined. It means that “we can say precisely what
sampling units belong to to , and so on.

Each population unit has a known probability of being included in the sample

Selection of the sampling units is done through random selection

The method for computing the estimate from the sample must be stated and must lead
to a unique estimate for any specific sample (Cochran, 1976;9)
 Simple Random Sampling

• Everyone or everything in the population has an equal and known

probability of being included in the sample.

• In order to make use of simple random sampling technique, the researcher

must have a complete list of all the elements in the population, with
elements numbered consecutively from 1 to n.
 Simple Random Sampling

Simple random sampling may be done in four ways, namely

1. Drawing of lots

2. Using the table of random numbers

3. Using the random numbers in calculator

4. Using a computer program that produces the random numbers

 Simple Random Sampling

To use a random number table, the statistician starts by selecting a number

that have the same number of digits in the population size. For example, a
population size of 10,000 has five digits. Therefore, five digit random
numbers are selected from anywhere in the table. The five digits number may
be made up of the five-digits starting on the left side of a column, the five
digits ending on the right side column, or the five-digits in the middle of a
column. After the first number is selected the researcher proceeds to move in
systematic(vertical-up and down), horizontal (left and right), diagonal pattern
and select numbers that fall in the range of 00001 to 10,000 until the desired
sample size is reached. It is understood that five-digit numbers above 10,000
are excluded. The decision of where to start and what direction to proceed is
an arbitrary one (Grimm and Wozniak: 1990; 473). The selection of the
position of the random numbers selected and the direction of selection must
be consistent.
 Example

Suppose three municipalities from the province of Lanao del Sur

are to be selected with probability proportional to the extent of
poverty incidence which is measured in terms of the number of
families having an income below P5,000 a month. To do this, the
researcher needs to get the umulative totals of number of
families in the province having an income below P5,000 as
shown in the table.
After forming the cumulative totals, the next step is to
find a five-digit number from the table of random
numbers, rejecting all numbers exceeding 11,115. Follow
the same procedure illustrated earlier in identifying the
random start and in selecting the random numbers. In
this case, since the cumulative total may not exactly
equal to the selected random numbers, choose the
municipality having the nearest cumulative total to the
selected random number. For instance, if the selected
random numbers are 04598, 07696, 10735, then the
selected municipalities are Madamba, Tamparan and
Kapai.
The primary difficulty in getting a random sample is that
the list of the population may not be accessible or
available. In this situation, the researcher may need to
generate the list or consider using other techniques of
probability sampling. Aside from the Table of Random
Numbers, calculator or software program may be used to
generate random numbers.
 Systematic Random Sample
• Is a probability sampling technique which consists of selecting every
sampling unit from a list of the population after the first case has been
selected randomly from the first K cases. It is important for a researcher to
determine first the size of the population and the sample in order to find
out the K (interval) of cases. The interval (K) which is the basis in selecting
the sample units is calculated by dividing the population size by the sample
size (Grimm and Wozniak, 1990, 271). Thus the formula in determining K
is as follows:

k  =
 Example

A researcher needs systematic 300 random samples of the employees from a

listing of 5,000. The interval of selection (K) can be determined by:

k  = = 16.6 or 17
 Example

Hence, from the list of government employees from 1 to 5,000, every 17 th

elements from the random start constitute the sample. In this case the
researcher selects the random start from any of the first 17 elements.
Suppose the random start is 1, add 17 (selection interval) to the random
start to identify the next random sample. In this case, the first five samples
are number 1, 18, 35, 52. and 69.
 Stratified Random Sampling
Some researchers require stratification of the population before doing
the simple random or systematic sampling technique. When the
population consists of several strata and these strata may bring
about significant variation, stratified random sampling is more
appropriate.

Stratified random sampling entails the division or segregation of a

population into separate sub-population strata, and then sampling
within each stratum (Grimm and Wozniak, 1990:208). Stratification
guarantees that important population sub-groups are represented.
Without stratifying there is a chance that the natural variation in
sampling results will, in any given instance of sampling, over
represent some sub-population and under represent or perhaps not
even include others (Grimm and Wozniak: 1990;208)
Example: In a survey of residents of Iligan City, the respondents can be
divided into the following strata based on age brackets:

1. less than 18 years old

2. 18 - 25 years old
3. 26 - 40 years old
4. 41 – 55 years old
5. Over 55 years old
Example: In a survey of students of Tubod College, the students’
population can be stratified by the department where they belong

1. less than 18 years old

2. 18 - 25 years old
3. 26 - 40 years old
4. 41 – 55 years old
5. Over 55 years old
 Cluster Sampling

Cluster Sampling is basically a multi-stage sampling procedure

wherein a population is first divided into primary areas and
subsequently divided into smaller segments or cluster. Samples of
cluster are chosen from the sub-population, using either simple
random or systematic sampling procedure. Cluster sampling is often
used when complete listing of the population elements in various
parts or areas of a population are not available or are impractical to
assemble.
 Non-probability Sampling Method

A type of sampling method wherein the things or people being sampled do

not have a known probability of being selected. Although it is usually
advisable to use the probability techniques; in some cases, it is better to use
the non-probability sampling because of some theoretical or judgmental
justifications. For instance, a study on program evaluation may include only
municipalities that are accessible to land transportation. Municipalities that
are hard to reach by land transportation are excluded.
 Judgemental Sampling

In judgmental Sampling, researcher makes sample selection

based on the informed guesses about the most representative
cases. For example, election studies may be conducted using the
voters residing in the Poblacion or other precincts, because
experience shows that voters in these precincts are representative
of all the voters.
 Convinience Sampling

In convenience sampling, the researcher takes samples from

group which is accessible but unrepresentative cases. For
instance, a study on the attitude of women towards polygamy
may use women in the market as samples. This method of
sampling can and is often used to pretest preliminary versions of
questionnaires
 Quota Sampling
In quota sampling, researchers make selections from important grouping or
categories of a population. The important grouping composes a quota matrix,
which is a chart that includes up-to-date estimate of cases in all important
categories. Researchers, then, make some selection in every “cell” of the matrix;
results are open multiplied by that value which will increase selected cases
aggregate value up to estimate of the size of the grouping in the matrix.

For example, a certain and open equal number or quota of cases maybe
selected combination of categories, such as men and women; bachelor degree
holder, master degree holder, and doctor degree; contractual, temporary and
permanent. This is illustrated in the table on the next slide.
Results from all quotas are then multiplied by numbers that reflect the relative
size of each category in population. Thus, if the category of “women” is three
times as large as the category of “men”, the results of the former quota are
multiplied by three. Hence, the number of samples representing women would
be 270.
 Theoritical Sampling

In theoretical or purposive sampling, the researcher purposely

picks cases that are extremes or that illustrate contrasting types
or various categories of theoretical interest. For instance, in
studying efficiency of tax collection, the researcher purposely
selects from low income categories and high income categories
to draw a distinction between the statuses of collection.
 Snowball sampling

Snowball sampling is a type of non-probability sampling technique that

uses relevant identified sampling units and referrals. It begins with
identified person that are considered knowlegeable on the subject of
interest. For instance, if a researcher is interested in studying traditional
cultural practices, he/she may ask old folks in the barangay. To do this,
he/she may ask for one old folk as his/her respondent. After the interview
of the first referral, the interviewer asks the inteview of other person who
may also be knowlegeable of the subject matter. Next, he would ask
again the referred source of information the same questions. The process
continuous until unified and sufficient information are collected.
 Deviant Sampling

In some cases, it is worthwhile to use deviant cases as source of

information. For instance, in an election study the researcher may
ask individuals who do not have registration or who did not go
to precinct to cast their votes on matters pertaining to election
practices.
 Combined Method of Sampling or Multi-
Stage Sampling

As the term implies, this method of sampling makes use of

probability and non-probability sampling technique. The multi-
stage sampling technique is a common illustration of this
method. It is frequently used in studies which cover a wide area.
In our example above, the researcher who wants to study tax
collection efficiency initially identified the sample municipalities
using theoretical sampling. After identifying the sample
municipalities, he/she selects tax collector respondents through
systematic or simple random sampling.
SAMPLE SIZE
 Factor in Determining the Representativeness of a Sample

1. Degree of precision or accuracy with which the population is specified. It refers to the
amount of error that the researcher can tolerate. Some formula in determining sample
size include amount of error. The lesser the degree of error selected the bigger the
sample size.

2. Heterogeneity and homogeneity of the population (extent of variability) the more

homogeneous is the population with respect to relevant characteristics, the smaller the
sample.

3. Money available to the researcher

4. Statistical tools to be used

5. Allowance for un-retrieved questionnaire (if the researcher is using a questionnaire
type)
 Methods of Determining Sample Size

1. Use of the sample size table if the population is finite. The table for sample size is
found in Appendix of some books in statistics

2. Preparation of a table using different variables and the number of probable

classifications
 For instance, a resarcher proposed to study the profile of government employees in terms of their
gender, educational attainment and status of appoinment. On educational attainment categories bachelor
degree holder, with Masteral units earned, and Masteral degree holder. In terms of appointment, there
are three classifications: contractual, temporary, and permanent. To get the total number of
classifications, multiply the number of classification in each variable, thus, we have: for gender (2); for
educational attainment (3) and for appointment status (3) = 2 x 3 x 3 = 18. if the statistical tool to be
used is chi-square which necessitates that at least 20 samples are necessary in every cell then, the
researcher needs 360 (15 x 20) samples.

 3. Use of Certain Sample size formula

a. Sloven’s formula

n= Where
n = Sample size
e = amount of error
N = population
 

EXAMPLE

A researcher wants to get a representative sample of government employees from a

population consisting of 1,000 with .05 degree of error. Using the above formula, the
sample size is equal:

Solution:

n= = = 285
 

b. Sample size formula with degree of reliability and maximum error allowable.

N= where:
n= Sample size
N= population Size
Z = Critical value at certain level of reliability
d = maximum error acceptable
p = estimate of population proportion
 

Applying this formula in a given hypothetical data, the sample size that could be
taken from a population consisting of 2,000 is equal to:

N = = 868.98
 

c. Sample size formula when population variance is known.

n = () 2
 

Example: If the researcher intends to get a sample of household head respondents

and a population variance in the number of household size is known to be 1. The
sample size may be computed as follows:

n = () 2 = 392
 
d. Sample size formula when population variance is unknown.

N= where:
Z= the value of Z at certain level of confidence
= Estimate of population proportion
Precision = degree of precision desired
 A governatorial candidate wanted to determine his probability of winning in the election,
how big is the needed sample if he wants to get 4% interval rate? Note that 4% interval
means that his estimate of winning based on the sample is only 4% below the precise
population vote.

Solution:

N = = 600.25

It means that the candidate needs to get a sample of roughly 600 in order to determine
his probability of winning at 95 percent degree of confidence. If he needs a 3%
precision, he may need 1100 samples.
 
Using the above formula, approximate sample size in different degree of precisions at
0.05 level of confidence with are summarized below.
Degree of Precision Approximate Sample
10% 100
9% 120
8% 150
7% 200
6% 300
5% 400
4% 600
3% 1,100
2% 2,400
1% 9,600