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WK 3 Sampling and Bias
WK 3 Sampling and Bias
Sampling &
Sources of bias
Zoe Davidson
The Research Process
Step 1: Design
the research
question
Step 2: Design
Step 5: Report the research
findings protocol
Study Design
Study Sample
Step 4: Analyse
Data Step 3: Collect
Data
Interpret findings
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Bias
– Systematic bias
– Random error
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Bias
Sampling Bias
Bias that is introduced due to how the participants are
selected to be in the study
Observation Bias
Bias that is introduced due to the way information about
study variables is collected
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Sampling Bias: Who will be studied?
Populations
– the larger group to which the research results are generalised
Samples
– a subgroup of the population that will participate in the study
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Sampling Bias: Who will be studied?
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Sampling bias
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Sampling bias
Conscious Unconscious
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Selection bias
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Observation Bias
Misclassification bias
– Subjects are misclassified as a case or control
– Cohort and case-control studies
Interviewing bias
– Individual collecting data elicits, records or interprets
information differentially from study participants based
on their allocation (intervention/placebo group or
case/control)
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Observation Bias
Recall bias
– Subjects who have experienced the disorder/condition
may recall their exposure history differently from those
who are not affected
Reporting bias
– When a case or person receiving the intervention
emphasizes the importance of an aspect he/she
believes to be important.
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Reducing bias
Sampling Bias
Bias can be minimised by sampling procedures
Observation Bias
Blinding
Corroboration of multiple information sources
Use standard measures or standardised questionnaires
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Sampling
Consider this PICO
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Steps in choosing a sample
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1. Target population
2. Accessible population
3. Sample
S
Defining the target population
Inclusion criteria
– The primary traits of the target and accessible population
Exclusion criteria
– Indicates factors that would preclude someone from being a
subject.
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In undergraduate students at Monash completing their first
degree, what is the effect of a structured high intensity
exercise program (5 x 1 hour session/week) for the duration
of semester compared to standard unstructured activity (30
mins/day) on their weighted average mark for semester 1?
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Defining the target population
Inclusion Exclusion
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Choosing the sample
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Sampling techniques
Probability samples
– Created through a process of random selection
– Every unit in the population has an equal chance or
probability of being selected.
– The probability of being selected is known
– Sampling error* is random
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Sampling techniques
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Sampling techniques
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Sampling techniques
Examples Examples
Simple random sampling Convenience sampling
Systematic sampling Quota sampling
Stratified random Purposive sampling
sampling Snowball sampling
Cluster sampling
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Probability Sampling
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Probability Sampling
Systematic sampling
– Ordered list
– Determine the sampling interval
Divide the total number in the accessible population by the
number to be selected
Eg. Wish to select 10 out of 100 participants = 10/100 = 10
– Select every 10th person
– Starting point is determined at random
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Probability Sampling
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Accessible population
N = 1000 Monash Clayton
Study Sample
n = 100
Probability Sampling
Cluster sampling
– Multistage
– Successive random sampling of a series of units in the population
– When difficult to obtain a complete listing of the population
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Randomly select 5
faculties
10 GP clinics
10 patients
Non Probability Sampling
Convenience sampling
– Subjects are chosen on the basis of availability
– Consecutive sampling
Recruiting all patients who meet the inclusion and exclusion
criteria as they become available
– Sample achieved through volunteers
Advertising, polls in magazines
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Non Probability Sampling
Quota sampling
– Similar structure to proportional stratified sample
– Instead of random sampling, recruit until you have
achieved the desired proportions
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Accessible population
N = 1000 Monash Clayton
Study Sample
n = 100
Non Probability Sampling
Purposive sampling
– Researcher handpicks subjects on basis of specific
criteria
– Similar to convenience however researcher will
consider more than just availability
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Non Probability Sampling
Snowball sampling
– Sensitive topics, rare trait, personal networks and
social relationships
– Several stages
– Few subjects identified and participate
Asked to identify others who have requisite characteristics
– Chain referral or snowballing continued until adequate
sample is obtained
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Sample size?
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Let’s Practise!
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Question: In employees of Bank Richalot who work in Costalot
Towers 1 & 2 in Melbourne CBD, what is the effect of a lunch time
exercise program on productivity between 2-5pm?
Inclusion criteria:
Full-time employees
Able to attend the lunch time exercise program at least 3 d/wk
Exclusion criteria
Injuries that prevent participation in the exercise program
Activity:
Random or non-random sampling?
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