Probability Sampling

A probability sampling method is any method of sampling that utilizes some form of random selection. In order to have a
random selection method, you must set up some process or procedure that assures that the different units in your
population have equal probabilities of being chosen. Sampling is used when it is impossible to collect data from the entire
population.
SAMPLING IS A PROCESS OF SELECTING UNITS FROM A POPUATION
Sampling is a process of taking a representative sample of the population and using the data collected as the research
information. Also called the subgroup of the population.
You need to select the most appropriate sampling technique to obtain a representative
sample. Five main techniques can be used to select a probability sample
simple random;
systematic;
stratified random;
cluster;
multi-stage.
Choosing a probability sample, depends on your research questions and objectives.
3.1 Simple Random Sampling - Simple random sampling is the most widely-used probability sampling method,
probably because it is easy to implement and easy to analyze. E.g The pick a name out of the hat technique
(traditional) or random number generator (modern)
-Each member of the population has the same probability of being selected.
Simple random sampling is best used when you have an accurate and easily accessible
sampling frame that lists the entire population, Consequently, this form of sampling is not
suitable if you are collecting data over a large geographical area using a method that
requires face-to-face contact, owing to the associated high travel costs.
Choose randomly!

3.2 Systematic sampling

Systematic sampling involves you selecting the sample at regular intervals from the sampling frame.
Formula: Sampling fraction = actual sample size / total population
A simple random sample of n pieces of data from a population of data is collected in such a manner such that every
sample has an equal chance of being selected and included in the sample.
In systematic random sampling, the researcher Obtain a list of the total population and then first randomly picks the first
item or subject from the population. Then, the researcher will select each n'th subject from the list.
Choosing a starting point at random and then systematically take

Example: Suppose a supermarket wants to study buying habits of their customers, then using systematic sampling they
can choose every 10th or 15th customer entering the supermarket and conduct the study on this sample.
This is random sampling with a system. From the sampling frame, a starting point is chosen at random, and choices
thereafter are at regular intervals. For example, suppose you want to sample 8 houses from a street of 120 houses.
120/8=15, so every 15th house is chosen after a random starting point between 1 and 15. If the random starting point is
11, then the houses selected are 11, 26, 41, 56, 71, 86, 101, and 116. As an aside, if every 15th house was a "corner
house" then this corner pattern could destroy the randomness of the population.

ADVANTAGES:

1.Simple
2. assurance that the population will be evenly sampled. There exists a chance in simple random sampling that allows
a clustered selectionof subjects.

3.3 Stratified random sampling

Stratified random sampling is a modification of random sampling in which you divide
the population into two or more relevant and significant strata based on one or a number
of attributes. In effect, your sampling frame is divided into a number of subsets. A random sample (simple or systematic)
is then drawn from each of the strata.

Stratified sampling seems like cluster sampling, strata or groups are chosen specifically to represent different
characteristics within the population. Such as age, location, or occupation.
Within each group, a random sample is taken.
Data is divided into subgroups (strata)
Strata are based specific characteristic Age Education level Etc. Use random sampling within each strata
Stratified sampling is a probability sampling technique wherein the researcher divides the entire population into different
subgroups or strata, then randomlyselects the final subjects proportionally from the different strata.
3.4 Cluster sampling
Cluster sampling is, on the surface, similar to stratified sampling as you need to divide
the population into discrete groups prior to sampling (Henry 1990). The groups are
termed clusters in this form of sampling and can be based on any naturally occurring
grouping. For example, you could group your data by type of manufacturing firm or geographical area (Box 7.9).
The entire population of data s divided into pre-existing segments called clusters. Most often these clusters are
geographic. Then clusters are randomly selected, and every member of each selected cluster is included in the sample.
NOTE: Used often by government agencies and private research organizations.
Cluster sampling is a sampling technique where the entire population is divided into groups, or clusters, and a random
sample of these clusters are selected. All observations in the selected clusters are included in the sample.
Cluster sampling is typically used when the researcher cannot get a complete list of the members of a population they
wish to study but can get a complete list of groups or 'clusters' of the population. It is also used when a random sample
would produce a list of subjects so widely scattered that surveying them would prove to be far too expensive, for
example, people who live in different postal districts in the UK.
This sampling technique may well be more practical and/or economical than simple random sampling or stratified
sampling.
3.5 Multi-stage sampling MORE COMPLICATED TYPE OF CLUSTER SAMPLING. THERE ARE MULTIPLE STEPS IN
CREATING A SAMPLE.
LARGE POPULATIONS
Multi-stage sampling, sometimes called multi-stage cluster sampling, is a development
of cluster sampling. It is normally used to overcome problems associated with a geographically dispersed population
when face-to-face contact is needed or where it is
expensive and time consuming to construct a sampling frame for a large geographical
area. However, like cluster sampling, you can use it for any discrete groups, including
those that are not geographically based. The technique involves taking a series of cluster
samples, each involving some form of random sampling.