All items in any field of inquiry constitute a Universe

or Population. A complete enumeration of all items in the Population is known as a census enquiry. In many real world statistics applications, it is impractical to study an entire population. When this is the case, a subgroup of the population, called a sample, can be evaluated. Based upon this sample, the parameters of the underlying population can be estimated.

Population vs. Sample

A population is defined as the set of all possible

members of a stated group and measure of characteristic of a population is a parameter.

A Sample is Population Sample defined as a subset

of the population of interest and measure of the characteristic of a Sample sample is Statistic

Surveys vs. Respondents

Surveys ask respondents for information using verbal

or written questioning.

Respondents are a representative sample of people

Gathering Information via Surveys

Advantages
Quick Inexpensive

Disadvantages Poor Design Improper Execution

Efficient
Accurate Flexible

What is a Sample design ?

A sample design is a definite plan (technique or

procedure) for obtaining a sample from a given population. It is determined before data are collected. It should be reliable and appropriate for the research study

Steps in Sample Design

Define clearly about the universe or population under

study. Define sampling unit (region, house or flat, family, club, school, or individual) Source of collecting the sample Size of sample Parameters of interest Budgetary constraint Sampling procedure

Characteristics of a good Sample Design

It must result in a truly representative sample.
It must result in a small sampling error and thus help

in controlling the systematic bias in a better way. Sampling errors are the random variations in the sample estimates around the true population parameters. SE decreases with sample size. Measurement of SE is called the precision of the sampling plan. It must be viable in the context of funds available for the research study.

Different types of Sample designs

Sample designs are based on the following factors:
The representation basis Non-probability Sample

Items included are chosen without regard to thei

probability of occurrence Probability Sample Items in the sample are chosen on the basis of known probabilities

Types of Samples Used

Probability Sampling

Simple Random Samples

Every individual or item from the frame has an equal

chance of being selected Selection may be with replacement or without replacement Samples obtained from table of random numbers or computer random number generators

Stratified Samples
Divide population into two or more subgroups (called

strata) according to some common characteristic A simple random sample is selected from each subgroup, with sample sizes proportional to strata sizes Samples from subgroups are combined into one

Cluster Samples
Population is divided into several clusters, each

representative of the population

A simple random sample of clusters is selected

Advantages and Disadvantages

Simple random sample and systematic sample Simple to use May not be a good representation of the populations underlying characteristics Stratified sample Ensures representation of individuals across the entire population Cluster sample More cost effective Less efficient ( need larger sample to acquire the same level of precision)