L1-Understanding-Data-and-Ways-to-Systematically-Collect Data
L1-Understanding-Data-and-Ways-to-Systematically-Collect Data
N Where:
◦𝑛 = 𝑛 = sample size
1+N𝑒 2
N = Total Population
𝑒 = margin of error
Example 1
A researcher wants to conduct a survey. If the population of a big university is 35,000, find the
N
sample size if the margin of error is 5%. Using the formula. 𝑛 =
1+N𝑒 2
35,000
𝑛=
88.5
𝑛 = 395
Example 2
Suppose you plan to conduct a study among 1,500 Grade 11 students enrolled in the ICT strand.
N
How many respondents are needed using a margin of error of 2%. Using the formula. 𝑛 =
1+N𝑒 2
1,500
𝑛=
1.6
𝑛 = 938
Sampling Procedures
Sampling is a formal process of choosing the correct subgroup called a sample from a population
to participate in a research study. The subgroup shall be the representative of the large group
from where they were selected. To create a sample you may follow any of the following categories
of sampling techniques: probability sampling and non-probability sampling scheme.
The most important characteristics of probability sampling procedures is the random selection of
the samples. Specifically, each sample (n) or element from the population (N) has an equal
chance of selection under a given sampling technique. Four (4) probability sampling are:
Simple Random Sampling
This is the most frequently used type of probability
sampling technique. This is characterized by the idea that
the chance of selection is the same for every member of
the population.
Systematic Random Sampling
This follows specific steps and procedures in doing the
random selection of the samples. It requires a list of
elements and every nth element in the list is drawn for
inclusion in the sample. If for instance, you have a list of
5,000 persons and you need a sample of 500, here are
the steps to follow:
1. Divide the number of elements in the population by the desired
sample size. In this case, you divide 5,000 by 500 which gives a
value of 10.
2. Choose random number between on and the value you obtained
from step 1. In this example, you can choose a number between 1
and 10, let’s say you choose 5.
3. Starting with the number you picked which is 5, you take every
10th (from step1) and you use 5 as your starting point. Thus, you
have to select the samples whose numbers are 5, 25,35,45, and
so on until you reach the desired sample size of 500.
Stratified Random Sampling
In Stratified Random Sampling, the population is divided into
two or more mutually exclusive categories, called strata,
based on variables such as economic status, grade level, or
family income. From each of these strata, a sample is drawn
proportionally. This method ensures that each subgroup
(stratum) is represented in the sample according to its size in
the population. To illustrate the procedure see sample below:
Suppose a researcher wants to study the academic performance of students based on their grade
levels in a school. The school has students in four different grade levels: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade
11, and Grade 12.
Population: 1,200 students
Strata: The four grade levels (Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12)
Desired Sample Size: 300 students
The researcher first divides the population by grade level. Each grade level is a stratum. The
number of students in each grade level is recorded:
Grade 9: 350 students
Grade 10: 300 students
Grade 11: 280 students
Grade 12: 270 students
Divide each number of students per level by the total population of
1200 and then multiply by the desired sample size of 300.
In this case,
350
Grade 9: x 300 = 87.5 ≅ 88
1200
300
Grade 10: x 300 = 75
1200
280
Grade 11: x 300 = 70
1200
270
Grade 12: x 300 = 67.5 ≅ 67
1200
Cluster Sampling
In Cluster Sampling, instead of sampling individuals
directly, clusters or groups of the population are randomly
selected. These clusters could be based on geographic
regions, schools, or other natural groupings. Once clusters
are chosen, all individuals within the selected clusters
may be sampled, or a further random sample may be
taken within each cluster.
Cluster Sampling Example:
A company wants to conduct a survey to assess employee satisfaction across its
various branch offices. The company has 20 branches, and each branch has
between 100 and 200 employees.