Sampling

Kapil Aryal
Assoc. Prof. KSL

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Sampling

• is the process of selecting a few

(a sample) from a bigger group
(the sampling population) to
become the basis of estimating or
predicting a fact, situation or out
come regarding the bigger group.
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• A sample is a subgroup of the population the
researcher is interested in sampling

• may be defined as the selection of same part of an

totality on the basis of which a judgment or inference
about the aggregate or totality is made.

• In other words, it is the process of obtaining

information about an entire population by examining
only a part of it. Researchers select only a few items
from the universe for their study purposes.

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Why do we need sampling ?
Advantages of sampling:
• The study of "few" makes possible to generalize
the whole population; and
• Census method may be impossible for many
research studies eg. Blood test

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Sampling makes research
– Economic - less financial expenses
– Saves time - less time consuming
– Possible - can be conducted (there may certain
situation where census research can not be
conducted -- test of human blood )
– Saves human resources
– Sampling makes possible to have in-depth
study.

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Determining sampling
The methods of sampling is also based on
• objective of research
• Available resources = Time
Financial
Human
• Availability of data
• Character of elements (homogeneous –
heterogeneous)

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 Determining Sample Size
• Statistician Yamane Taro’s Formula, 1967
N
• n = ------------------------
1+N(e) 2

• n = Sample Size
• N = Population Size
• e = level of precision / Standard Error
(acceptable error) 7
 Cont…

• Level of Precision/ acceptable error

(e) may be lesser than 5 % but if it is
above 5% finding of the research is
considered questionable
• Confidence level 95%

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 Sampling error
• A Census refers to a research study of all elements
of the population.
• The findings we get form sampling study may be
proximate with the finding we get form census.
• It is because, the study is based on sample not on the
total element of universe.
• The margin of difference between these two findings
is sampling error.

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 Determination of Sampling Error
The margin of sampling error is based on:
• the way samples are selected
• the characteristics of elements in population (Homogeneous
or heterogeneous)
• The size of sample
• Non response by the sample or false response by the
sample.
• Faulty Sampling Frame
Sampling error is also called Error Variance
Sampling Error = Frame error + Chance Error +
Response Error
Sampling Error = Findings from census study-Findings
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from sampling Study
Types of sampling

Various sampling strategies can be categorized in

three different categories.

(a) Probability sampling design;

(b) Non-probability sampling design; and
(c) Mixed sampling design.

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(a) Probability sampling design
The sample design to be called probability sample, if
each element of the population has equal and
independent chance of being selected as sample.
Equal implies that the probability of selection of
each element in the population is the same i.e. the
choice of an element to be as sample is not
influenced by other considerations such as personal
preferences or hatred of researcher.
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• The concept of "independent"
means that the choice of one
element is not dependent upon the
choice of another element in the
sampling.

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The main advantages of RANDOM or
PROBABILITY sampling method:
• As they represent the total population or
universe, the inference drawn from such
samples can be generalized to the entire
population

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Some Methods in Probability
Sampling

• The Lottery / fishbowl draw

• Computer

• A table of random number

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 Types of random sampling design:

Three Common Random Sampling Methods:

1. Simple random sampling: Simple random

sampling is the most commonly used method
of selecting probability sample. In this
sampling, each element in the population is
given an equal and independent chance of
selection.
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2. Stratified random sampling:
In the first instance the whole population that
is required to be studied is divided into
different group (strata) on some basis of
homogeneity in their characteristics. Once this
has been done, certain numbers of items are
taken from each group on random basis and
this is done with some deliberate intention but
at random. 20
Cont. ...
In stratified random sampling the
researcher attempts to stratify (divide)
the population in such a way so that
the population within a stratum is
homogenous with respect to the
characteristic on the basis of which is
being stratified.
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It is important that the characteristics
chosen as the basis of stratification are
clearly identifiable like: based on
gender, age, income etc, in the study of
population.
There are two types of stratified Sampling
Method:
1- proportionate and
2- disproportionate stratified sampling. 22
3. Cluster Sampling:
• If the population is large and scattered
geographically such as city, state or country,
use of cluster sampling method is more
appropriate.

• Cluster sampling is based on the ability of the

researcher to divide the sampling cluster. It can
be formed on the basis of geography or a
common characteristic that are correlated with
the main variable of the study.
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 Non- random or non-probability
sampling design
• It isn't always possible to undertake a probability
method of sampling, such as in random sampling.
For example, there is not a complete sampling frame
available for certain groups of the population e.g.
people who shop in a particular part of town.

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 Cont.
• Non-probability sampling designs do not
follow the theory of probability in the
choice of elements for sample .
• Non-probability sampling designs are used
when the number of elements in a
population is either unknown or cannot be
individually identified.

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Advantages of non-probability methods:
• Cheaper
• Used when sampling frame is not available
• Useful when population is so widely dispersed
that cluster sampling would not be efficient
• Often used in exploratory studies, e.g. for
hypothesis generation
• Some researchers are not interested in working
out what proportion of population gives a
particular response but rather in obtaining an
idea of the range of responses on ideas that
people have. 26
 Types of Non-probability
Sampling Designs
• (a) Quota sampling
• (b) Accidental sampling
• (c) Judgmental, convenient or purpose
sampling
• (d) Snowball sampling

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(a) Quota Sampling:

In it, the population is divided into a number of

segments and the researcher arbitrarily selects a
quota of sample items from each segment.

Three Steps:

1. Deciding the numbers of segments of population

2. Deciding the percentage (quota) of sample to be taken

3. Selecting the sample items

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(b) Accidental Sampling:

In this method, the researcher selects any case s/he comes

across. In this, it is not possible to know whether the
sample is representative or not as they give preference to
the case, which comes first.

This method of sampling is common among market

research and newspaper reporters.

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(c) Judgmental or Purposive Sampling:
• The primary consideration in purposive sampling is
the judgment of researcher as to the researcher only
goes to those people, who can provide the best
information to achieve the objectives of the study,
his/her opinion are likely to have the required
information and willing to share it.

• This type of sampling is extremely useful when you

want to construct a historical reality describe a
phenomenon or develop some thing about which only
a little is known. 30
(d) Snowball Sampling:

Snowball sampling is the process of selecting a

sample using networks. To start with, a few
individuals in a group or organization are selected
and the required information is collected form them.
They are than asked to identify other people in the
group or organization, and the people selected by
them become a part of sample.

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Cont. ...
• Information is collected from them and then these
people are asked to identify other member of
group, and in turn, those identified become the
basis of further data collection. This process is
continued until the required number has been
obtained.
• This sampling technique is useful if you know
little about the group or organization you wish to
study, as you only need to make contact with a
few individuals, who can then direct you to the
other members of the group. It is difficult to use
this technique when the sample becomes large.
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The Mixed Sample design
Systematic sampling has been classified under the ‘mixed

sampling' category because it has the characteristics of

both random and non-random sampling methods.

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In systematic sampling, the sampling frame is first divided

into a number of segments, on some basis, called intervals.

Then, from the first interval, using simple random

sampling techniques, one element is selected. The

selection of subsequent elements form other interval

dependents upon the order of the elements selected in the

first interval. If in the first interval it is the four, every fifth

elements from that will be sample.

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Systematic Sampling - Example

1 9 17 25 33
2 10 18 26 34
3 11 19 27 35
4 12 20 28
5 13 21 29
6 14 22 30
7 15 23 31
8 16 24 32 35