SAMPLING

1. A sample is “a smaller (but hopefully

representative) collection of units from a
population used to determine truths about that
population”

2. Why sample?
Resources (time, money) and workload

Results with known accuracy that can be

calculated mathematically
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Probability versus Nonprobability
Probability Samples: each member of the

population has a known non-zero probability of

being selected
SAMPLING …….
STUDY POPULATION

SAMPLE

TARGET POPULATION

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 Types of Sampling

Probability Sampling

Simple random sampling

Systematic random sampling
Stratified random sampling
Multistage sampling
Cluster sampling
Non-Probability Samples
Convenience sampling
Purposive sampling
Quota sampling

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SIMPLE RANDOM SAMPLING
• Applicable when population is small, homogeneous &
readily available

• It provides for greatest number of possible samples.

This is done by assigning a number to each unit in the
sampling frame.

Eg:A table of random number or lottery system is used

to determine which units are to be selected.

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SYSTEMATIC SAMPLING
Systematic sampling relies on arranging the target
population according to some ordering scheme and then
selecting elements at regular intervals through that
ordered list.

Example : would be to select every 3rd person from the

targeted group

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STRATIFIED SAMPLING
Where population embraces a number of distinct
categories, the frame can be organized into separate
"strata." Each stratum is then sampled as an
independent sub-population, out of which individual
elements can be randomly selected.

Draw a sample from each stratum

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Multistage Sampling

• Clusters are selected at random.

• Elements are selected at random within each
cluster.
Saves time and money for personal
interviews.
Cluster Sampling

• Elements are divided into groups of equal

number of elements (i.e., clusters).
• The clusters are selected at random.
• All elements within a cluster are included in
the initial sample.
Nonprobability Sampling
Nonprobability Samples: members are selected
from the population in some non random manner
Convenience sampling

Convenience sampling is used in exploratory

research where the researcher is interested in
getting an inexpensive approximation.

The sample is selected because they are

convenient.
Judgment sampling

Judgment sampling is a common

nonprobability method.
The sample is selected based upon
judgment.
Quota sampling
Quota sampling is the nonprobability equivalent of
stratified sampling.

First identify the stratums and their proportions as they

are represented in the population

Then convenience or judgment sampling is used to

select the required number of subjects from each
stratum.
Sample Size?
The more heterogeneous a population is, the larger the
sample needs to be.
Depends on topic – frequently it occurs?

For probability sampling, the larger the sample size, the

better.
With nonprobability samples, not generalizable
regardless – still consider stability of results