Selecting the Population and Sample

Welcome A. Ravono.

Population
Whole area of interest Living and non- living things/ events

Types of population
2 Types Finite Infinite

Sampling
Process by which the sample is selected from the population A portion of the whole group under study Vital part of the research process

Advantages of Sampling
Cheaper, Faster, Easier Maybe the only part where destructive testing is used- (extinct population) Accurate than census

Errors in Sampling
Not totally accurate Non- sampling errors

How to take a Sample?

Take a large sample to ensure representations Avoid non- sampling errors Ensure reliability

Types of Samples
Probability Sampling Simple Random Stratified Random Systematic Cluster Non- Probability Accidental or Convenience Snowball Purposive or Judgment Expert Quota

Probability Samples (Random) 2 principles

1. Each unit is a member of the populationhas a probability of being selected in the sample that can be calculated 2. Selection of unit must be random (determined by chance)

Advantages of probability sample

Possible to assess the accuracy of sample estimates

1. Simple Random Sample

Simplest form of probability sampling Has equal chance of being chosen Has equal chance of arising

Using a table of random number

Have a complete list of whole population (sampling frame) Assign a number to each population item Choose the sample by means of random table.

2. Systematic Sample
Work systematically through population list No natural ordering or periodicity Ordered lists- bias the results Stratification- widely used in large scale survey

3. Stratified Random Sampling

Stratum- sub population Strata- 2 or more homogeneous sub population - select population and determine relevant strata - sample number of people in each stratum

4. Cluster Sampling
Divide a large area into sub- areas which are randomly selected- clusters Interview all in a cluster or only a sample in a selected cluster (multi- stage sampling)

Non- Probability Sampling

Used when impossible to evaluate the probability of each population unit being included in the sample

1. Accidental Sampling
Sample of Convenience Composed of easily available people or volunteers Not accurate Includes snowball sampling

2. Quota Sampling
Discretion of interviewers Attempts to include a cross- section of the population Depends on the judgment of the interviewers

3. Purposive Sample
Units selected by researcher to be represented under study Depends on researchers judgment

Pilot Study
Definition: small scale practice run Not used by new researchers/ undergrad Used to understand strengths and weaknesses of larger projects- (design, sample size, data collection instrument) Helps in removing problems in advance Used for approval of funds.

Questions?????