Lec: 5

Nursing Research methods

 Table of

01 02
Contents

Probability and non

Sample and sampling probability sampling

03
Detail for each sampling methods
 Sample and Sampling
● Sampling :Process of selecting just a small group of cases

from out of a large group) population).

● A sample is “a smaller (but hopefully representative)

collection of units from a population used to determine

truths about that population”
3 factors influence sample representativeness:
1. Sampling procedure
2. Sample size
3. Participation (response)
 STUDY POPULATION
Sampling frame: List of all the sampling units
from which sample is drawn

Sampling scheme:
Method of selecting sampling
units from sampling frame
Definitions

Sampling Unit: smallest unit from

SAMPLE which sample can be selected

TARGET POPULATION
The population to be studied/ to which the
investigator wants to generalize his results
Within this population,
there will probably be
only certain groups that
will be of interest to
your study, this selected
category is your
sampling frame.
 population can consist of certain types
of objects, organizations, people or even
events.
Populations can have the following characteristics:
Characteristics Explains Examples

homogeneous all cases are similar bottles of Pepsi on a production line

contain strata or people with different levels of income:

stratified
layers low, medium, high

proportional contains strata of percentages of different nationalities

stratified known proportions of students in a university

grouped by contains distinctive of apartment buildings – towers, slabs,

type groups villas, tenement blocks
different groups
grouped by animals in different habitats – desert,
according to where
location equatorial forest, savannah, tundra
they are
 Why sample?
● Resources (time, money) and workload
● Gives results with known accuracy that can be calculated
mathematically
● The sampling frame is the list from which the potential
respondents are drawn
“Less costs, Less field time and More accuracy”
*When might you sample the entire population?*
*When your population is very small*
*When you have extensive resources*
*When you don’t expect a very high response*
Sampling methods
Types of samples
 Types of sampling
● Probability samples: ● Non-probability samples:
1)Simple random 1. Convenience sample

2)Stratified random 2.Purposive sample

3.Quota
3)Cluster
4.Snowball
4)Systematic
5)Multi-stage
 Types of sampling
● A probability sampling scheme ● In non-probability sampling
is one in which every unit in the method some elements of
population has a chance (greater population have no chance of
than zero) of being selected in selection, or where the
the sample, and this probability probability of selection can't be
can be accurately determined. accurately determined. It
involves the selection of elements
based on assumptions regarding
the population of interest, which
forms the criteria for selection.
 Probability sampling techniques give the most
reliable representation of the whole population.

Non-probability techniques, relying on the judgment of

the researcher or on accident, cannot generally be used
to make generalizations about the whole population.
 Process of sampling
The sampling process comprises several stages:
○ Defining the population of concern
○ Specifying a sampling frame, a set of items or events possible to measur
○ Specifying a sampling method for selecting items or events from the
frame
○ Determining the sample size
○ Implementing the sampling plan
○ Sampling and data collecting
○ Reviewing the sampling process
 1. Simple random sampling
As the name suggests is a completely random method of
selecting the sample. This sampling method is as easy as
assigning numbers to the individuals (sample) and then
randomly choosing from those numbers through an automated
process.
 Simple random sampling
Advantages:
1. Applicable when population is small, homogeneous & readily

available
2. All subsets of the frame are given an equal probability. Each element

of the frame thus has an equal probability of selection.

3. Estimates are easy to calculate.

Disadvantages:
1. If sampling frame large, this method impracticable.

2. Minority subgroups of interest in population may not be present in

sample in sufficient numbers for study.

 2. Systematic Sampling
● Systematic sampling relies on arranging the target population
according to some ordering scheme and then selecting elements at
regular intervals through that ordered list.
● Systematic sampling involves a random start and then proceeds with

the selection of every kth element from then onwards. In this case,
k=(population size/sample size).
● It is important that the starting point is not automatically the first in the

list, but is instead randomly chosen from within the first to the kth
element in the list.
● A simple example would be to select every 10th name from the

telephone directory (an 'every 10th' sample, also referred to as

'sampling with a skip of 10').
 Systematic Sampling……
● Is a method, which also all elements have the same
probability of selection (in the example given, one in
ten). It is not 'simple random sampling' because
different subsets of the same size have different
selection probabilities - e.g. The set {4,14,24,...,994} has a
one-in-ten probability of selection, but the set
{4,13,24,34,...} Has zero probability of selection.
 Systematic Sampling……
Advantages: Disadvantages:
●Sample easy to select Sample may be
●

●Suitable sampling biased if hidden

frame can be periodicity in
identified easily population coincides
●Sample evenly with that of selection.
spread over entire Difficult to assess
●

reference population precision of estimate

from one survey.
Simple random sampling V.S Systematic sampling
Cluster sampling involves dividing a population into clusters,
such as districts, and randomly selecting a sample of these
clusters. for example, city, family, university etc.
In cluster sampling
divide the whole population into clusters according to some well-
defined rule.
Treat the clusters as sampling units.
Choose a sample of clusters according to some procedure.
Carry out a complete enumeration of the selected clusters, i.e., collect
information on all the sampling units available in selected clusters.
- (types are: one stage, two stage or multistage cluster sampling)
 3. Cluster sampling
Section 1 Section 2

Section 3

Section 5

Section 4
1.Define the Population: Identify the entire population of
interest.
2.Divide into Clusters: Group the population into distinct
clusters based on characteristics like geography,
demographics, or other criteria.
3.Select Clusters Randomly: Use random selection to
choose one or more clusters.
4.Survey Within Clusters: Collect data from all or a subset of
individuals in the selected clusters.
 4. Stratified Random sampling:
Is a method for sampling from a population whereby the population is
divided into subgroups and units are randomly selected from the
subgroups. Stratification of target populations is extremely common in
survey sampling. A common method is to arrange or classify by sex,
age, ethnicity and similar ways.
(1) Proportional stratified sampling
𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞
𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 = × 𝒑𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒖𝒃 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒑𝒔
𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (𝒂𝒍𝒍)

(2) Equivalent (disproportionate) stratified sampling

Equal from each strata
Proportional stratified sampling is the Best

𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒛𝒆

𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 = × 𝒑𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒖𝒃 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒑𝒔
𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (𝒂𝒍𝒍)
1. Define your population of interest and choose the characteristic(s)
that you will use to divide your groups.
2. Divide your sample into strata depending on the relevant
characteristic(s). Each stratum must be mutually exclusive, but
together, they must represent the entire population.
3. Define the sample size for each stratum and decide whether your
sample will be proportionate or disproportionate. The sample size
in each stratum should ideally be in proportion to the members of
that group within the target population.
4. Draw a random sample from each stratum and combine them to
form your final sample.
 IMPORTANT NOTE:

Stratified sampling is used to highlight

differences among groups in a population. This
is different from simple random sampling, which
treats all members of a population as equal,
with an equal likelihood of being sampled.
(1) Proportional stratified sampling (2) Equivalent (disproportionate) stratified sampling
 The differences between stratified and cluster sampling
can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:
1. A probability sampling procedure in which the population is separated into different
homogeneous segments called ‘strata’, and then the sample is chosen from the each
stratum randomly, is called Stratified Sampling. Cluster Sampling is a sampling
technique in which the units of the population are randomly selected from already
existing groups called ‘cluster.’
2. In stratified sampling the individuals are randomly selected from all the strata, to
constitute the sample. On the other hand cluster sampling, the sample is formed when
all the individuals are taken from randomly selected clusters.
3. In cluster sampling, population elements are selected in aggregates, however, in the
case of stratified sampling the population elements are selected individually from
each stratum.
 The differences between stratified and cluster sampling
can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:
4. In stratified sampling, there is homogeneity within the group,
whereas in the case of cluster sampling the homogeneity is found
between groups.
5. Heterogeneity occurs between groups in stratified sampling. On the
contrary, the members of the group are heterogeneous in cluster
sampling.
6. When the sampling method adopted by the researcher is stratified,
then the categories are imposed by him/her. In contrast, the categories
are already existing groups in cluster sampling.
7. Stratified sampling aims at improving precision and representation.
Unlike cluster sampling whose objective is to improve cost
effectiveness and operational efficiency.
 BASIS FOR
STRATIFIED SAMPLING CLUSTER SAMPLING
COMPARISON

a sampling method wherein the

Stratified sampling is one, in which the
members of the population are
population is divided into homogeneous
Meaning selected at random, from naturally
segments, and then the sample is randomly
occurring groups called 'cluster’.
taken from the segments. Few subgroups
Many subgroups

All the individuals are taken from

Randomly selected individuals are taken
Sample randomly selected clusters. Few
from all the strata. Many elements
elements
Selection of
Individually Collectively
population elements
Homogeneity Within group Between groups
Heterogeneity Between groups Within group
Bifurcation Imposed by the researcher Naturally occurring groups
To reduce cost and improve
Objective To increase precision and representation.
efficiency.
Differences
Advantages:
Cuts down on the cost of preparing a sampling
frame.
This can reduce travel and other administrative costs.
Disadvantages:
sampling error is higher for a simple random sample
of same size.
Often used to evaluate vaccination coverage in EPI.
 Stratified sampling:
Advantages:
Every unit in a stratum has same chance of being
selected. Adequate representation of minority
subgroups of interest can be ensured by stratification
& varying sampling fraction between strata as
required.
Disadvantages: stratified sampling can potentially
require a larger sample than would other methods.
 Convenience Sampling
● A type of nonprobability sampling
which involves the sample being
drawn from that part of the population
which is close to hand. That is, readily
available and convenient.
● Convenience sampling involves
selecting haphazardly those cases that
are easiest to obtain for your sample,
such as the person interviewed at Sometimes known as grab or
random in a shopping center for a opportunity sampling or accidental
or haphazard sampling.
television program.
Convenience sampling

a non-probability sampling method where units are

selected for inclusion in the sample because they are
the easiest for the researcher to access. This can be due
to geographical proximity, availability at a given time, or
willingness to participate in the research
 Purposive Sampling
● In the purposive sampling,
the sample members are
chosen only on the basis of
the researcher’s knowledge
and judgment.
● It enables you to select cases
that will best enable you to
answer your research intentionally selecting participants
question(s) and to meet your based on their characteristics,
knowledge, experiences, or some
objectives. other criteria
 Snowball Sampling
● Snowball sampling method is purely based on referrals and that is how a researcher is
able to generate a sample. Therefore this method is also called the chain-referral sampling
method.
● This sampling technique can go on and on, just like a snowball increasing in size (in this
case the sample size) till the time a researcher has enough data to analyze, to draw
conclusive results that can help an organization make informed decisions.
 Quota Sampling
● Selection of members in this sampling technique
happens on basis of a pre-set standard. In this case, as
a sample is formed on basis of specific attributes, the
created sample will have the same attributes that are
found in the total population.
● It is an extremely quick method of collecting samples.
● Quota sampling is therefore a type of stratified
sample in which selection of cases within strata is
entirely non-random.
non-probability sampling method that relies on the non-random selection of a
predetermined number or proportion of units. For example, an interviewer may
be told to sample 200 females and 300 males between the age of 45 and 60.
It is this second step which makes the technique one of non-probability
sampling.
In quota sampling the selection of the sample is non-random.
 Conclusions

1 Probability sampling
generates generalization
and are the best

Non Probability sampling

2 does not generates
generalization and done
in some conditions
 Thanks
For your attention