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MR Sampling

The document provides an overview of sampling in research, including definitions of sample frame, census, and sample, as well as the importance of representativeness. It categorizes sampling methods into probability and non-probability samples, detailing various techniques under each category. Additionally, it introduces concepts of confidence levels, confidence intervals, and the significance of sample size in quantitative research.

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13 views24 pages

MR Sampling

The document provides an overview of sampling in research, including definitions of sample frame, census, and sample, as well as the importance of representativeness. It categorizes sampling methods into probability and non-probability samples, detailing various techniques under each category. Additionally, it introduces concepts of confidence levels, confidence intervals, and the significance of sample size in quantitative research.

Uploaded by

valechany9113
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Sampling

Session Objectives

By the end of the session you will be able to:

• Explain what sampling means in research


• List the different sampling methods available
• Have had an introduction to confidence levels
and confidence intervals
Sampling
• Sample frame = the target population you wish to research

• Census = all the respondents in the sample frame


participating in the research

• Sample = a smaller group selected from the sample frame


to participate in the research

• Sample method = the technique used to select the sample


Representativeness
• The aim of any sample is to represent the
characteristics of the sample frame.
• There are a number of different methods
used to generate a sample.
• As a researcher you will have to select the
most appropriate method meet the
requirements of your research.
Sampling

• Sampling methods can be split into two


distinct groups:

1. Probability samples
2. Non-probability samples
Sampling
Probability Samples
Probability samples offer each respondent an
equal probability or chance at being included in
the sample.
They are considered to be:
• Objective
• Empirical
• Scientific
• Quantitative
• Representative
Sampling
Non Probability Samples
A non probability sample relies on the
researcher selecting the respondents.
They are considered to be:
• Interpretivist
• Subjective
• Not scientific
• Qualitative
• Unrepresentative
Probability Sampling Methods
• Random Sampling
• Systematic Random Sampling
• Stratified Random Sampling
• Cluster Random Sampling
• Quota Random Sampling
• Multi-Stage Sampling
Random Sampling

• This involves selecting anybody from the sample


frame entirely at random.
• Random means that each person within the
sample frame has an equal chance of being
selected.
• In order to be random, a full list of everyone
within a sample frame is required.
• Random number tables or a computer is then
used to select respondents at random from the
list.
Systematic Random Sampling
• This selection is like random sampling but
rather than use random tables or a computer
to select your respondents you select them in
a systematic way.

• E.g. every tenth person on the college list is


selected.
Stratified Random Sampling

• An appropriate group is decided upon i.e.


female, male, 16 –18 year olds and the
participants are picked randomly from within
the strata
Cluster Random Sampling
• Similar to stratified sampling
but the groups are selected
for their geographical location
• i.e. school children within a
particular school.
• The school is the cluster with
the children being selected
randomly from within the
cluster
Quota Random Sampling

• Having decided on the characteristics of the


sample frame, a sample is selected to meet
these characteristics.
• E.g. if the sample frame is car drivers and
the car driving population is 55% male and
45% female then the quota would require
the same proportions.
• Participants would be selected to fill this
quota using the random method
Non-probability Sampling
• Convenience Sampling
• Snowball Sampling

• These non-probability methods can be used


in conjuncture with the cluster, quota or
stratified methods, however they will remain
non-probability samples
Convenience Sampling

• This involves selecting the nearest and


most convenient people to participate in
the research.
• This method of selection is not
representative and is considered a very
unsatisfactory way to conduct research.
Snowball Sampling
• This type of sampling is used when the research is
focused on participants with very specific
characteristics such as being members of a gang.
• Having identified and contacted one gang member
the researcher asks to be put in touch with any
friends or associates who are also gang members.
• This type of sampling is not representative
however is useful, especially where the groups in
the research are not socially organised i.e. they do
not have clubs or membership lists.
Quantitative Research - Sample Size

• When conducting probability sampling it is important to use a


sample size that is appropriate to the aims and objectives of
the research.
• There are tables recommending sample size (see de Vaus,
1996 pp 71-72) but as a general rule the smaller the total
sample frame the larger the sample ratio needs to be.
• A common error is to assume that the sample should be a
certain percentage of the population, for example 10%. In
reality there is no such relationship and it only the size of the
sample that is important.
• A probability sample size of 100+ is considered a large enough
sample to conduct statistical analysis
Statistics and Samples

• When presenting your research you need to be able


to demonstrate, how representative of the whole
population the sample data you have collected is.
• There are two statistical test used to do this:
• Standard Error
• Confidence Levels
Standard Error
• Using the standard deviation of the population and
the sample size a statistical calculation can measure
the degree of error likely to occur between the
results of a sample and the results of a census, this is
call the standard error.
• The larger the sample the lower the standard error.
• When a probability sample of 100+ is undertaken
the distribution can usually be assumed to be
normal
• When the sample has normal distribution, we can
use the z score approach to obtain confidence limits
for the sample mean.
Confidence Levels
• Confidence levels are calculated using the
Central Limit Theorem
• Using this and the sampling error we can then
use the area below the normal distribution
curve to make predictions about our sample.
• As well as making predictions we can use the
properties of the normal distribution curve to
provide us with confidence levels
• There are three confidence levels 68%, 95%
and 99%
Confidence Levels
• The concept does not mean that we are 95% sure that
a single sample mean lies within these limits.
• The 95% confidence limits mean that if we drew many
samples, and find the mean for each, then we can
expect 95% of the sample means to lie within the
stated limits.
• 95% confidence is considered acceptable in social
research, medical research often requires 99%
confidence
Confidence Levels – Bell Curve
Review
• Can you explain what sampling means in
research?
• Can you list the different sampling methods
available?
• Have had an introduction to confidence levels
and sample error?
Further Reading
• Drummond, A. (1996) Research methods for
therapists. Cheltenham, Nelson Thornes
• Fielding J and Gilbert N (2000) Understanding social
statistics London: Sage
• Thomas J R and Nelson J K (2001) Research methods
in physical activity 4th Ed, Leeds, Human Kinetics
• Trochim W (2007) available at
www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/sampstat.php

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