Stratified Sampling

Lecturer: Chad Jensen

Sampling Methods
SRS (simple random sample) Systematic Convenience Judgment Quota Snowball Stratified Sampling

What is Stratified Sampling?

Stratification is the process of grouping members of the population into relatively homogeneous subgroups before sampling.

Advantages
Provides greater precision than a SRS (simple random sample) of the same size Often requires a smaller sample, which saves money Can guard against an "unrepresentative" sample Focuses on important subpopulations but ignores irrelevant ones

Disadvantages
Can be difficult to select relevant stratification variables Often requires more administrative work than an SRS Not useful when there are no homogeneous subgroups Can be expensive

Proportionate Stratification

Each Stratum has the same sampling fraction.

Can provide better precision than a SRS of the same size. Gains in precision are greatest when values within strata are homogeneous. Gains in precision accrue to all survey measures.

Proportionate Stratum
nh = ( Nh / N ) * n nh = is the sample size for stratum h. Nh = is the population size of stratum h. N = the total population size n = the total sample size

Disproportionate Stratification

The sampling fraction may vary from one stratum to the next.
If variances differ across strata, disproportionate stratification can provide better precision than proportionate stratification, when sample points are correctly allocated to strata. The researcher can maximize precision for a single important survey measure. Gains in precision may not accrue to other survey measures.

Disproportionate Stratum
nh = n * ( Nh * Sh ) / [ ( Ni * Si ) ] nh = sample size for stratum h. n = total sample size Nh = population size of stratum h. Sh = Standard deviation of stratum h

Proportionate vs. Disproportionate

Disproportionate can be a better choice (e.g., less cost, more precision) if sample elements are assigned correctly to strata.
Example: Given a fixed budget or fixed sample size, how should sample be allocated to get the most precision from a stratified sample?

Proportionate vs. Disproportionate

Recommendation:
If costs and variances are about equal across strata, choose proportionate stratification. If they differ, consider disproportionate stratification.

Example
Stratum Mean Score Standard Deviation

Boys Girls

70 80

10.27 6.66

The state administers a reading test to a sample of 36 third graders. The school system has 20,000 third graders 10,000 boys and 10,000 girls.

Proportionate Stratum
nh = ( Nh / N ) * n 18 boys = (10,000/20,000) *36 18 girls = (10,000/20,000) *36

Disproportionate Stratum
Stratum Mean Score Standard Deviation

Boys Girls

70 80

10.27 6.66

nh = n * ( Nh * Sh ) / [ ( Ni * Si ) ] 21.83 boys = 36 * ( 10,000 * 10.27 ) / [ ( 10,000 * 10.27 ) + ( 10,000 * 6.67 ) ] 14 girls = (36 22 boys)

Conclusion

How can you use stratified sampling in your project?

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Emotional Outburst?