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Sampling

The document discusses sampling methods used in research including population, eligibility criteria, samples, sampling methods, sample size, sampling error and bias, randomization, and sampling plans. It describes probability sampling methods like simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, and cluster random sampling. It also describes non-probability sampling methods like convenience sampling, quota sampling, and purposive sampling.

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Haneen Jehad Um Malek
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39 views

Sampling

The document discusses sampling methods used in research including population, eligibility criteria, samples, sampling methods, sample size, sampling error and bias, randomization, and sampling plans. It describes probability sampling methods like simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, and cluster random sampling. It also describes non-probability sampling methods like convenience sampling, quota sampling, and purposive sampling.

Uploaded by

Haneen Jehad Um Malek
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sampling

Outline
• Population
• Eligibility criteria
• Samples
• Sampling methods
• Sample size
• Sampling error and bias
• Randomisation
• Sampling plan
Population
• Is a complete set of persons or objects that possess some common
characteristics of interest to the researcher.

• Quantitative research is very interested in population, whereas,


qualitative research focuses more on individuals themselves.

• The goal of sampling is to be able to make generalisations about


population from which the sample was drawn.
Population
• Target population is the entire group of people which the researcher
wishes to generalise the findings of the study; whereas, accessible
population is the available group (also called study population).

• The conclusions of a study are based in data obtained from accessible


population and statistical inferences should be made only to the
group from which the sample was randomly selected.
Eligibility Criteria
• Inclusion (sampling) criteria is the criteria that specify population
characteristics.

• Exclusion criteria are characteristics that can cause a person or


element to be excluded.

• The eligibility criteria may reflect one or more of the following issues:
costs; practical concerns; people’s ability to participate in a study; and
design considerations.
Samples
• Researchers are always* interested in population; but, the entire
population is not used in a research study. Instead, they use a sample
(subset) of the population.

• When a sample is chosen properly, the researcher is able to make


claims about the population based on data from the sample alone 
the sample should be represents the population.
Sampling Methods
• Probability and nonprobability.

• Probability (random sampling): involves the use of a random


selection process to obtain a sample from members of a population.

• Nonprobability: the sample elements are chosen from the population


by non-random methods ~ bias.
Probability Sampling
• Very systematic and scientific process (not occurs haphazardly!).

• The researcher’s bias does not enter into the selection process.

• The researcher hopes that the variables of interest in the population


will be present in the sample appx. in the same proportion as would
be found in the total population.
Probability Sampling
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified random sampling
• Cluster random sampling
• Systematic random sampling
Simple Random Sampling
• Ensures that each member of the population has an equal and independent
chance of being chosen.

• It is not simple; it is complex and time consuming.

• Involves identifying all the accessible population then sampling frame is


developed  then participants are chosen (computerised through table or
random numbers).

• There is no guarantee that a randomly drawn sample will be representative.


Stratified Random Sampling
• The population is divided into subgroups, or strata (mutually exclusive
segment of a population  enhances sample representativeness;
F&M), according to the same variables of importance to the research.
Then, a simple random sample is taken from each of these subgroups.
Furthermore, the researcher must decide how large a sample would
be from each strata  proportional and disproportional stratified
sampling.

• Example: pain management among ICU patients  stratification of


the patients: cardiac; neuro; and respiratory.
Stratification
Stratification: Proportional
Stratification: Nonproportional
Cluster Random Sampling
• Used in large-scale studies where the population is geographically
spread.

• Large groups, clusters, become the sampling unit.

• Example: interviewing 100 nurse administers in the US  sample


states  100 cities  hospitals within cities  finally, nurse
administrators. This process increase the likelihood of sampling
errors.
Systematic Random Sampling
• Involves selecting every kth element of the population, every 8th element.

• Obtaining the total population (N), then the sample size (n), next, the
sampling interval width (k).

• k = N/n

• E.g. if we were seeking a sample of 100 from a population of 20,000, then our
sampling interval would be as follows:
k = 20,000/ 100 = 200
Systematic Random Sampling
• Controversial: probability or nonprobability sampling.

• Sampling frame must be random (every 5th room in the hospital ~


private) and the first member must be selected randomly (through
table of random numbers).
Randomisation – Online Resources
• www.randomizer.org

• http://www.socialpsychology.org/randomizer.htm?randbox=sm-blue&
agree=Yes
Nonprobability Sampling
• Sample is chosen by a non-random methods  more likely to produce
biased sample; but, mostly used in nursing research.

• Convenience sampling
• Quota sampling
• Purposive sampling
• Consecutive sampling

• Threaten the generalisability.


Convenience Sampling
• Also known as accidental or incidental.

• Involves choosing readily available people for the study.

• There is no accurate way to determine the representativeness. But, it


saves the time and money.

• Snowball sampling/ network sampling (assistance of the participants


in the sampling process). Suitable for difficult to identify population.
Quota Sampling
• Similar to stratified random sampling.

• Involves dividing the population into homogeneous strata; but, the


difference is that in quota sampling, participants recruited through
convenience sampling rather than random sampling.
Purposive Sampling
• Handpicking of subjects. Also called judgmental sampling based in the
belief that researcher’s knowledge about the population can be used
to hand-pick sample members.

• Widely used in qualitative studies.


Consecutive Sampling
• Involves recruiting all of people from an accessible population who
meet the eligibility criteria over a specific time interval or for a
specified sample size.
Time Frame for Studying the Sample
• Longitudinal: following the subjects over a period of time in the
future. Cohort study is a special type of longitudinal study.

• Cross-sectional: examining the subjects at one point in time.


Sample Size
• Depends on the type of the study: qualitative (usually small,
saturation); quantitative (large enough to talk about the population).

• Need to consider: homogeneity of the population; degree of


precision; sampling methods; response rate … etc.

• Power analysis.
Sample Size
• Remember a large sample cannot correct for a faulty sampling design.
Sampling Error
• Sampling error: the difference between the data obtained from
random sample and the data that would be obtained if the entire
population were measured.
Sampling Bias
• Sampling bias: is a systematic over-presentation or under-
presentation of some segment of population in terms of
characteristics relevent to the research question. It is caused by the
researcher and occurs when the sample is not carefully selected. Can
be minimised by selecting participants from two or more different
settings.

• Participation in research should be always voluntary.


Randomisation
• Random sampling and random assignment.

• Random assignment is the unbiased placement of subjects to either


the experimental or control groups in a study.
Sampling Plan
• Identify the population
• Specify the eligibility criteria
• Specify the sampling plan: method and size
• Recruit the sample
Effective Recruitment Strategies
• Face to face recruitment rather that telephone call, letters and emails
• Subjects’ need for treatment
• The researcher approach must be pleasant, positive, informative and
not aggressive
• Gifts and monetary incentives to have substantial effect on
participation
• Sharing results
• Convenience for participants: time and location
• Assurance of confidentiality will be maintained.
Critique
Critiquing Sampling Plans
Studies should report:
1. Response rate.
2. Non response bias: differences between participants and those who
declined to participate (response bias).
To Sum Up …
Any Questions?
Thank You 
References
• Nieswiadomy R.M, 2012. Foundations of Nursing Research (6th ed.),
Pearson Education: Upper Saddle River.

• Polit D.F and Hungler B.P, 1999. Nursing Research Principles and
Methods (6th ed.), Lippincott: Philadelphia.

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