Sampling Techniques

Mr. Ali Abdirahman (Awkey)

BSc, Masters of Public Health & Nutrition (MPh)
Dept.: Health Science
Cell: 615679712
E-mail: [email protected]
 Definition Of Sampling

 A process for selecting study units from a defined

study population.
 Procedure by which some members of a given
population are selected as representatives of the entire
population.
 Sampling is the use of a subset of the population
to represent the whole population, in order to
extrapolate the study results to the population
from which the sample is drawn.
 Study Population.

• a group composed of members of the same

species that live together in the same area at
the same time. Such a group is called a
population.
• a group of interacting individuals of the same
species living in a habitat at a particular time.
• Population under a study .population is
defined according to the objectives.
Population:
• Population or universe means, the entire mass
of observations, which is the parent group from
which a sample is to be formed. The term
population or universe conveys a different
meaning than a traditional one. In census
survey, the count of individuals (men, women
and children) is known as population.
• But in Research Methodology population means
characteristics of a specific group. For example
secondary school teachers of, who have some specific
features like teaching experience, teaching attitudes etc.
• Sampling means selecting a given number of subjects
from a defined population as representative of that
population.
• One type of population distinguished by educational
researchers is called the target population.
• By target population distinguished by educational
researchers is called the target population.
• The first step in sampling is to define the target
population.
 Why do we need sampling?
Get information from large populations with:
Reduced costs
Reduced field time
Increased accuracy
Enhanced methods
 Types For Sampling

Main Methods FOR SAMPLING

Non portability sampling and
probability sampling

Non-probability samples:
• some people have a greater, but unknown, chance
than others of selection.
• Probability samples
• Each member of the population has an equal chance
of being selected.
 Non-Probability samples

• Quota sampling
• Purposive sampling
• Convenience sampling
• Snowball sampling
**Probability of being chosen : unknown**
 Quota sampling

 Non random sampling in which the investigator

chooses sample members to fulfill a specified “quota’.
 Sample reflects population structure
 Time/resources constraints
 Quota sampling is often used in market research.
Interviewers are required to find cases with particular
characteristics.
 Purposive sampling

• Purposive sampling, also known as judgmental,

selective, or subjective sampling, is a form of non-
probability sampling in which researchers rely on
their own judgment when choosing members of the
population to participate in their study.
 Techniques Of Probability Sampling

Methods used in probability samples:

a) Simple random sampling
b) Systematic sampling
c) Stratified sampling
d) Multistage sampling
e) Cluster sampling
 Simple Random Sampling

Simple random sampling (SRS) selection is

done by lottery method or using a table random
numbers
Most desirable method
Ever single unit participants in the process
Every unit has equal chance of being selected
Sample frame be available
Example: evaluate the prevalence of tooth decay
among the 1200 children attending a school
• List of children attending the school
• Children numerated from 1 to 1200
• Sample size = 100 children
• Random sampling of 100 numbers between 1 and
1200
How to randomly select?
Simple Random Sampling
 Systematic Sampling

• Samples are selected at regular interval ( for

example every 3rd)
• Estimate available total number of units (TN)
• Identify required number of sample (RN)
• Calculate sampling interval TN/RN
Cont..

N = 1200, and n = 60
sampling fraction= 1200/60 = 20
List persons from 1 to 1200
Randomly select a number between 1 and 20 (ex :
8)
1stperson selected = the 8th on the list
2nd person = 8 + 20 = the 28th
etc. .....
Advantages
–Ensures representatively across list
–Easy to implement
Disadvantages
–Need complete list of units
 Define stratified sampling

• The total population is divided into strata

(homogenous group )
• Samples are selected from each strata using
simple
• Random sampling or systematic sampling
technique.
 Multistage Sampling

• Selection of sampling is done by multistage

• Multistage sampling is carried out in phases and usually
involves more than one sampling method.
• Large and diverse population are considered in
geographical or arbitrary hierarchical level .
• Region >division district>upazila>village
example :
sampling unit = household
• 1rststage : drawing areas or blocks
• 2ndstage : drawing buildings, houses
• 3rdstage : drawing households
 Cluster Sampling

• The total population is divided into cluster

(group)
• Samples are selected from cluster using SRS or
systematic sampling technique
• Group of study units (cluster) are selected
instead of study units individually
• Within selected clusters, all units e.g.
households included (or random sample of
these units)
 Estimate Sample Size

• Number of adequate sampling units for a study is

called the sample size.
• Sample size is determined before implementation
of a study.
• It is desirable that the investigator determines the
sample size in consultation with a biostatistician
/statistician
 Which One is The Right Sampling Method?

• This depends first on the population to be studied:

• How large is the target population?
• Small population you can use a simple random
sampling,
• Large population you might need more sophisticated
methods.
• Population scattered in remote areas will
require a different sampling method that the
population of a large city.
• If you expect a large heterogeneity regarding
your variable of interest, you may have to
choose a stratified sample.
• It also depends on the availability of a list of
sampling units, the level of precision required
and last but not least the resources available.
 Difference between Probability and Non-Probability
Sampling :

Probability Sampling Non-probability Sampling

1.It is a method of sampling which 1. In the absence of any idea of

gives the probability that a sample is probability the method of
representative of population. sampling is known as non-
2.Probability sampling is generally used probability sampling.
in fundamental research in which the 2. It is generally used in action
purpose is to generalize the results. researches in which one studies a
class without any generalization
purpose.
3. It refers from the sample as well as 3. There is no idea of population.
the population.

4.Every individual of the population has 4. There is no probability of

equal probability to be taken into the selecting any individual.
sample.
5. It may be representative of • It has free distribution.
the population. • The observations are not used
6. Its observations (data) are for generalization purpose.
used for the inferential
purpose.