Sampling & Sampling Distributions

Why Sample?

 Selecting a sample…
 is less time-consuming than selecting every item in the
population (census).
 is less costly than selecting every item in the population.
 An analysis of a sample is less cumbersome and more
practical than an analysis of the entire
Sampling Frame

 The sampling frame is…

 a listing of items that make up the population
 compiled from data sources such as population lists, directories,
or maps
 Inaccurate or biased results can result if…
 a frame excludes certain portions of the population
 you use different frames to generate data
 Types of Samples
Samples

Non-Probability Probability
SAMPLES SAMPLES

JUDGEMENT CONVENIENCE
SAMPLE SAMPLE

Simple
Systematic Stratified Cluster
random
SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE
SAMPLE
Types of Samples
Nonprobability Sample
 In a nonprobability sample…
items included are chosen without regard to their probability
of occurrence.
Convenience sampling - items are selected based
 only on the fact that they are easy, inexpensive, or
 convenient to sample.
Judgment sampling - you get the opinions of
preselected
 experts in the subject matter.
 Types of Samples
Probability Sample
 In a probability sample, items in the
sample are chosen on the basis of known probabilities.

Probability samples

Simple random Systematic Stratified cluster

Probability Sample
Simple Random Sample
 Every individual or item from the frame has an equal chance
of being selected
 Selection may be…
with replacement (selected individual is returned to the
frame for possible reselection)
without replacement (selected individual is not
returned to the frame).
 Samples are generally selected based on…
 a table of random numbers
 a computer random number generator
Probability Sample
Systematic Sample
 Decide on sample size: n
 Divide frame of size N into
groups of size k: k=N/n
 Randomly select one individual from the 1st group
 Select every kth individual thereafter
Probability Sample
Stratified Sample
 Divide population into two or more subgroups (strata)
according to some common characteristic
 Select a simple random sample from each subgroup, with
sample sizes proportional to strata sizes
 Combine samples from each subgroup into one single sample
Probability Sample
Cluster Sample
 Divide population into several “clusters,” each a miniature
version (representative) of the population
 Select a simple random sample of clusters
 Select items from the cluster
 All items in the selected clusters can be used, or
 Items can be selected using another probability sampling
technique
Probability Sample
Comparison

 Simple random sample and Systematic sample

 Simple to use
 May not be a good representation of the population’s 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)
Surveys
Evaluating Worthiness
 What is the purpose of the survey?
 Is the survey based on a probability sample?
 Avoid or reduce errors
 appropriate frame
 follow up non-responders
 good questions elicit good responses
 sampling errors always exists
Surveys
Error Types
 Coverage error (selection bias)
 Some groups or individuals are excluded from the frame
 Have no chance of being selected
 Non-response error
 People who do not respond may be different from those who
do respond
Surveys
Error Types
 Sampling error
 Normal variation from sample to sample always exists
 Measurement error
 Weaknesses in question design