Sampling

• Sampling means selecting a given number

of subjects from a defined population as
representative of that population.
 ?Why sample
• Can’t use the entire population because of
time or money constraints
• Allows you to use statistics like t-tests and
ANOVA
 Sampling Terminology
• Population -- all cases or members of a
specific group
• Target Population -- the group that is the
focus of your research
• Accessible Population -- members of the
population that you can reach
 Sampling Terminology
• Frame -- your list of all members of the
target population
• Sampling unit -- one member of your
population
• Stratum - a mutually exclusive group within
your population
 Sampling Terminology
• Sample -- a sub-group of your population
• Census -- a study using all members of a
target population
• Parameters -- measures on a population
• Statistics -- measures on a sample
Estimating Population Parameters

Target Population

Accessible Population

Sample

Sample Statistic
 Sampling
o Is the process of selecting a portion
of the population to obtain data
regarding a problem.

o Sampling is not a technique but a

means that is used to get
information from a group that is
representative of the total population
or target pop.

o Sampling involves decisions about

 Key concepts related
 Population:
a. Target population: Is the pop. under
study.
To which the researcher
would like to generalized
the findings. Population
Target
Accessible

b. Accessible population:
Is that part of the target pop. That is
available to the researcher. From which
 Key concepts Continued
Sample:
Is a portion of the population that has been
selected to represent the population of
interest.
Sampling Frame:
Is a comprehensive list of all the sampling
subjects in the target population.

Eligibility criteria:
criteria that are developed by the researcher
that define the criteria that must be met to
be included in the study. Has to be
determined before sample selection criteria
 Key concepts continued

Random selection & representation:

The process of selecting a representative
sample of the target population. Its
purpose is to ensure that every element
in the target pop. Has an equal
independent and non zero chance of
being selected.
Sampling bias:
Occurs when the researcher shows a
preference in selecting one participant
over another.
Occurs when random selection is not
 Sampling approaches
1. Probability sampling:
Probability samples use some form
of random selection so that the
total population has the ability to
be included in the study.

2. Non probability sampling:

selecting the sample in some way
other than randomization.
 Types of probability sampling
 Simple Random Sampling: Involves a listing of all
possible subjects and randomly draws the sample.

 Stratified Random Sampling: population is first

divided into two or more strata or subgroups then
handled as simple random sampling.

 Cluster Sampling: So a large population might be

divided into clusters.
 Systematic Sampling: involves every nth person from a
list. Every 5th person from a phone book.
 Types of non probability sampling
Convenience sampling:
The use of the most conveniently available people as subjects in
a study.
Snowball or network sampling:
A form of convenience sampling in which an identified
participant is asked to refer others who might meet the inclusion
criteria.
Quota sampling:
Determining how many people of a certain characteristic are
needed then sampling is done.
Purposive sampling:
Hand picking the sample based on the researchers knowledge of
a population. Purposely select respondents who are judged to be
typical of the population.
 Sample size

Factors deciding the appropriate sample

size:
• Purpose of the study.
• Nature of the population.
• Response rate.
• Sampling procedure.
• Statistical test.
• Effect size.
• Power analysis.
 Choosing The Sampling Approach

In order to:
• Increase representativeness.
• Decrease bias.
• Decrease sampling error.
Probability (Generalized)
Approach:
Non Probability (Non)

Outweigh advantage & disadvantage

 Evaluating The sampling Plan
• Are the target, accessible pop.& sample well
described?
• Are the elements of the study defined? Do they
represent the target pop.?
• What type of sampling approach is used? Does it
seem appropriate to the purpose of the study?
• What type of researcher bias could occur?
• Are exclusion & inclusion criteria defined?
• Is the determination of sample size is discussed? Does
it seem appropriate?
• What effect does the sample have on the
interpretation of the results?