Solution: Assignment # 04

Research Methods (STA630)

Fall Semester 2006
Marks 10

Question # 01

(a) Define the Probability & non-Probability sampling.

(Marks 02)
Solution (a):

Probability Sampling:
In probability sampling, every element in the population has a known nonzero
probability of selection. The simple random is the best known probability sample,
in which each member of the population has an equal probability of being
selected.

Non-Probability Sampling:
In non-probability sampling the probability of any particular element of the
population being chosen is unknown. The selection of units in non-probability
sampling is quite arbitrary, as researchers rely heavily on personal judgment.

(b) Snowball sampling is also known as network, chain referral or

reputational sampling. Comment on this statement.
(Marks 04)
Solution (b):

Snowball sampling:
Snowball sampling is also called network, chain referral, or reputational
sampling. It is a method for identifying and sampling cases in the network. It is
based on an analogy to a snowball, which begins small but becomes larger as it
is rolled on wet snow and picks up additional snow. It begins with one or a few
people or cases and spreads out on the basis of links to the initial cases.
This design has been found quite useful where respondents are difficult to
identify and are best located through referral networks. In the initial stage of
snowball sampling, individuals are discovered and may or may not be selected
through probability methods. This group is then used to locate others who
possess similar characteristics and who, in turn, identify others. The snowball
gather subjects as it rolls along.

Example:
For example, a researcher examines friendship networks among teenagers in a
community. He or she begins with three teenagers who do not know each other.
Each teen names four close friends. The researcher then goes to the four
friends and asks each to name four close friends, then goes to those four and
does the same thing again, and so forth. Before long, a large number of people
are involved. Each person in the sample is directly or indirectly tied to the original
teenagers, and several people may have named the same person. The
researcher eventually stops, either because no new names are given, indicating
a closed network, or because the network is so large that it is at thee limit of what
he or she can study.

(c)The purpose of cluster sampling is to sample economically while

retaining the characteristics of a probability sample. At the same time,
cluster sampling addresses two major problems. Discuss those problems.
(Mark 2+2)

Solution (c):

The purpose of cluster sampling is to sample economically while retaining the

characteristics of a probability sample. At the same time, Cluster sampling
addresses following two problems:

1. Researchers lack a good sampling frame for a dispersed population and

the cost to reach a sampled element is very high. A cluster is unit that
contains final sampling elements but can be treated temporarily as a
sampling element itself. A researcher first samples cluster, each of which
contains elements, then draws a second sample from within the clusters
selected in the first stage of sampling. In other words, the researcher
randomly samples clusters, and then randomly samples elements from
within the selected clusters. He or she can create a good sampling frame
of clusters, even if it is impossible to create one for sampling elements.
Once the researcher gets a sample of clusters, creating a sampling frame
for elements within each cluster becomes more manageable.

2. A second advantage for geographically dispersed populations is that

elements within each cluster are physically closer to each other. This may
produce a savings in locating or reaching each element.

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