Random sample and representativeness
▪ Random sample is when every individual in the population has a
chance to be selected in the sample.
▪ For a sample to be representative, it should be selected at random
and of adequate size
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Probabilistic/Random Sampling Strategies
Probabilistic sampling techniques involve random selection, where
every individual in the population has a known, non-zero chance of
being included in the sample. These methods provide a solid
foundation for statistical inference and help ensure that the sample is
representative of the entire population. The common probabilistic
sampling techniques are:
1. Simple Random Sampling (SRS)
2. Stratified Random Sampling
3. Systematic Sampling
4. Cluster Sampling
5. Multi-Stage Sampling
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Simple Random Sampling (SRS):
◦ Description: Involves randomly selecting individuals from the entire
population.
◦ Procedure: Each member of the population has an equal chance of
being chosen. This can be achieved using random number
generators or a random process.
◦ Advantages: Simple, easy to understand, and ensures every
individual has an equal probability of inclusion.
◦ Limitations: May not account for specific characteristics or
stratification within the population.
◦ Example: Assign each member of a population a unique number
and use a random number generator to select a specified number
of individuals.
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Stratified Random Sampling:
◦ Description: Divides the population into subgroups or strata based
on certain characteristics, and then random samples are taken from
each stratum.
◦ Procedure: Ensures representation from different subgroups,
reducing sampling bias.
◦ Advantages: Improved precision and representation compared to
simple random sampling.
◦ Limitations: Requires accurate information about the population's
characteristics for effective stratification.
◦ Example: Divide a population of students into strata based on grade
levels (e.g., freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) and then
randomly select a proportionate number of students from each
stratum.
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Systematic Sampling:
◦ Description: Selects every nth individual from a list after a random start.
◦ Procedure: Establish a random starting point, choose a constant interval,
and select individuals at that interval.
◦ Advantages: Simplicity, especially when a complete list of the population is
available.
◦ Limitations: Susceptible to periodicity if there's a pattern in the list that
aligns with the chosen interval.
◦ Example: Select every 10th patient from a list of patients visiting a clinic
after randomly choosing a starting point between 1 and 10.
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Cluster Sampling
◦ Description: Divides the population into clusters and randomly
selects entire clusters. All individuals within the selected clusters
are included in the sample.
◦ Procedure: Randomly select clusters, and then include all
individuals within those clusters.
◦ Advantages: Cost-effective for large populations, especially when
it's difficult to obtain a complete list of the population.
◦ Limitations: Potential for greater variability within clusters; not as
precise as some other methods.
◦ Example: Divide a city into clusters based on neighborhoods,
randomly select a few neighborhoods, and then survey all
households within the selected neighborhoods.
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Multi-Stage Sampling:
◦ Description: Combines two or more sampling methods in stages.
◦ Procedure: Involves multiple levels of sampling, such as cluster
sampling followed by simple random sampling within selected
clusters.
◦ Advantages: Can be more practical and cost-effective for large and
diverse populations.
◦ Limitations: Complexity increases with each stage, requiring careful
planning and execution.
◦ Example: In a study of schools in a country, first, randomly select
several districts, then within each district, randomly select schools,
and finally, within each school, randomly select students.
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