7: Sampling

Theory and Methods

Sampling

Sampling is the process

of selecting a small number of elements
from a larger defined target population
of elements such that
the information gathered
from the small group will allow judgments
to be made about the larger population.

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Census

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Basics of Sampling Theory

Population

Element

Defined target
population

Sampling unit

Sampling frame

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Sampling Error

Sampling error is any type of bias

that is attributable to mistakes
in either drawing a sample or
determining the sample size.

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Nonsampling Error

Nonsampling error is bias

that occurs in a research study regardless of
whether a sample or census is used, such
as bias caused by measurement error,
response errors, non-response error
or coding errors.

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Sampling Methods

Probability Nonprobability
sampling sampling

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Types of Sampling Methods

Probability Nonprobability
Simple random Convenience
sampling sampling
Systematic Judgment
random sampling sampling
Stratified random Quota sampling
sampling Snowball
Cluster sampling sampling
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Simple Random Sampling

Simple random sampling is a method of

probability sampling in which
every unit has an equal nonzero
chance of being selected.

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Systematic Random Sampling

Systematic random sampling is a

method of
probability sampling
in which the defined
target population is ordered
and the sample is selected
according to position using a skip interval.

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 Steps in Drawing a Systematic
Random Sample
 1: Obtain a list of units that contains an
acceptable frame of the target population
 2: Determine the number of units in the list and
the desired sample size
 3: Compute the skip interval: SI = [# sampling
units available/desired sample size]
 4: Determine a random start point
 5: Beginning at the start point, select the units
by choosing each unit that corresponds to the
skip interval

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Stratified Random Sampling

Stratified random sampling is a

method of
probability sampling
in which the population is divided
into different subgroups and samples
are selected from each.

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Steps in Drawing a Stratified
Random Sample
1: Divide the target population into
homogeneous subgroups or strata
2: Draw random samples from each
stratum
3: Combine the samples from each
stratum into a single sample of the
target population

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Cluster Sampling

Cluster sampling is a
method of probability sampling
where the sampling units
are selected in groups
rather than individually. The
chosen groups are sampled in
their entirety.

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Nonprobability Sampling
Methods

Convenience sampling relies

upon convenience and access

Judgment sampling relies upon belief

that participants fit characteristics

Quota sampling emphasizes representation

of specific characteristics

Snowball sampling relies upon respondent

referrals of others with like characteristics

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Factors to Consider in Sample
Design

Research objectives Degree of accuracy

Resources Time frame

Knowledge of
target population Research scope

Statistical analysis needs

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Factors Affecting Sample Size for
Probability Designs
Variability of the population
characteristic under investigation
Level of confidence desired in the
estimate
Degree of precision desired in
estimating the population characteristic

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Probability Sampling and
Sample Sizes

When estimating a population mean

n = (Z2B,CL)(σ2/e2)

When estimating a population proportion

n = (Z2B,CL)([P x Q]/e2)

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7. Execute the Operational Plan
6. Create Plan for Selecting Sampling Units
5. Determine Sample Sizes and Contact Rates
4. Identify the Appropriate Sampling Method
3. Identify the Sampling Frame(s) Needed
2. Select the Data Collection Method
1. Define the Target Population
Plan
Steps in Developing a Sampling