pp07
pp07
pp07
1
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Chapter 7
Selecting Samples
Slide 7.2
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Selecting samples
Population, sample and individual cases
Source: Saunders et al. (2009)
Figure 7.1 Population, sample and individual cases
Slide 7.3
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
The need to sample
Sampling- a valid alternative to a census when
A survey of the entire population is impracticable
Budget constraints restrict data collection
Time constraints restrict data collection
Results from data collection are needed quickly
Slide 7.4
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Overview of sampling techniques
Sampling techniques
Source: Saunders et al. (2009)
Figure 7.2 Sampling techniques
Slide 7.5
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Probability sampling
The four stage process
1. Identify sampling frame from research objectives
2. Decide on a suitable sample size
3. Select the appropriate technique and the sample
4. Check that the sample is representative
Slide 7.6
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Identifying a suitable sampling frame
Key points to consider
Problems of using existing databases
Extent of possible generalisation from the sample
Validity and reliability
Avoidance of bias
Slide 7.7
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Sample size
Choice of sample size is influenced by
Confidence needed in the data
Margin of error that can be tolerated
Types of analyses to be undertaken
Size of the sample population and distribution
Slide 7.8
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
The importance of response rate
Key considerations
Non- respondents and analysis of refusals
Obtaining a representative sample
Calculating the active response rate
Estimating response rate and sample size
Slide 7.9
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Selecting a sampling technique
Five main techniques used for a probability sample
Simple random
Systematic
Stratified random
Cluster
Multi-stage
Slide 7.10
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Non- probability sampling (1)
Key considerations
Deciding on a suitable sample size
Selecting the appropriate technique
Slide 7.11
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Non- probability sampling (2)
Sampling techniques
Quota sampling (larger populations)
Purposive sampling
Snowball sampling
Self-selection sampling
Convenience sampling
Slide 7.12
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Summary: Chapter 7
Choice of sampling techniques depends upon the
research question(s) and their objectives
Factors affecting sample size include:
- confidence needed in the findings
- accuracy required
- likely categories for analysis
Slide 7.13
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Summary: Chapter 7
Probability sampling requires a sampling frame and
can be more time consuming
When a sampling frame is not possible, non-
probability sampling is used
Many research projects use a combination of
sampling techniques
Slide 7.14
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students, 5
th
Edition, Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill 2009
Summary: Chapter 7
All choices depend on the ability to gain
access to organisations