Sampling is that part of statistical practice concerned with the selection of a subset of

individual observations within a population of individuals intended to yield some knowledge

about the population of concern, especially for the purposes of making predictions based on
statistical inference.

TYPES OF SAMPLING

• Probability
• non probability sampling

A probability sampling scheme is one in which every unit in the population has a chance of
being selected in the sample, and this probability can be accurately determined. The combination
of these traits makes it possible to produce unbiased estimates of population totals, by weighting
sampled units according to their probability of selection.

• Probability sampling includes:

• Simple Random Sampling,
• Systematic Sampling,
• Stratified Sampling
• Cluster

Sampling Methods

The general goal of all sampling methods is to obtain a sample that is representative of the target
population. In other words, apart from random error, the information derived from the sample is
expected to be the same had a complete census of the target population been carried out. The
procedures used to select a sample require some prior knowledge of the target population, which
allows a determination of the size of the sample needed to achieve a reasonable estimate (with
accepted precision and accuracy) of the characteristics of the population. Most sampling methods
attempt to select units such that each has a definable probability of being chosen. Methods that
adopt this approach are called "probability sampling methods." Examples of such methods
include simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling, and cluster sampling.

A random sample is one where every person (or unit) in the population from which the sample
is drawn has some chance of being included in it. Ideally, the selections that make up the sample
are made independently; that is, the choice to select one unit will not affect the chance of another
unit being selected. The simplest way of selecting sampling units where each unit has an equal
probability of being chosen is referred to as a simple random sample.

Systematic random sampling involves deciding what fraction of the target population is to be
sampled, and then compiling an ordered list of the target population. The ordering may be based
on the date a patient entered a clinic, the last surname of patients, or other factors. Then, starting
at the beginning of the list, the initial sample unit is randomly selected from within the first k
units, and thereafter every kth individual is sampled. Typically, the integer k is estimated by
dividing the size of the target population by the desired sample size. This method of sampling is
easy to implement in practice, and the sampling frame can be compiled as the study progresses.

A stratified random sample divides the population into distinct non overlapping subgroups
according to some important characteristics (e.g., age, income) and then a random sample is
selected within each subgroup. The investigator can use this method to ensure that each subgroup
of interest is represented in the sample. This method generally produces more precise estimates
of the characteristics of the target population, unless very small numbers of units are selected
within individual strata.

Cluster sampling may be used if the study units form natural groups or if an adequate list of the
entire population is difficult to compile. In a national survey, for example, clusters may comprise
individuals in a localized geographic area. The clusters or regions are selected, preferably at
random, and the persons are enumerated in each selected region and random samples are drawn
from these units of the population. Because sampling is performed at multiple levels, this method
is sometimes referred to as multistage sampling.

With non probability sampling methods, the probability of being included in the sample is
unknown. Examples of this sampling method include convenience samples and volunteers.
These types of samples are prone to bias and cannot be assumed to be representative of the target
population. For example, people who volunteer are frequently different in many respects from
those who do not. Tests of hypothesis and statistical inference concerning the sampled units and
the target population can only be applied with probability sampling methods. That is, there is no
way to assess the validity of the samples obtained using non probability sampling strategies.

Convenience Sampling

Where the researcher questions anyone who is available. This method is quick and cheap.
However we do not know how representative the sample is and how reliable the result.

Quota Sampling

Using this method the sample audience is made up of potential purchasers of your product. For
example if you feel that your typical customers will be male between 18-23, female between 26-
30, then some of the respondents you interview should be made up of this group, i.e. a quota is
given.

Dimensional Sampling

An extension to quota sampling. The researcher takes into account several characteristics e.g.
gender, age income, residence education and ensures there is at least one person in the study that
represents that population. E.g. out of 10 people you may want to make sure that 2 people are
within a certain gender, two a certain age group.

Listed below are a few reasons for sampling.

Reduced cost: It is obviously less costly to obtain data for a selected subset of a population,
rather than the entire population. Furthermore, data collected through a carefully selected sample
are highly accurate measures of the larger population. Public opinion researchers can usually
draw accurate inferences for the entire population of the Ghana from interviews of only 1,000
people.
Speed: Observations are easier to collect and summarize with a sample than with a complete
count. This consideration may be vital if the speed of the analysis is important, such as through
exit polls in elections.

Greater scope: Sometimes highly trained personnel or specialized equipment limited in

availability must be used to obtain the data. A complete census (enumeration) is not practical or
possible. Thus, surveys that rely on sampling have greater flexibility regarding the type of
information that can be obtained.

Reliability:

If we collect the information about all the units of population, the collected information may be
true. But we are never sure about it. We do not know whether the information is true or is
completely false. Thus we cannot say anything with confidence about the quality of information.
We say that the reliability is not possible. This is a very important advantage of sampling. The
inference about the population parameters is possible only when the sample data is collected
from the selected sample.

Saves Time and Cost:

As the size of the sample is small as compared to the population, the time and cost involved on
sample study are much less than the complete counts. For complete count huge funds are
required. There is always the problem of finances. A small sample can be studied in a limited
time and total cost of sample study is very small. For complete count, we need a big team of
supervisors and enumeration who are to be trained and they are to be paid properly for the work
they do. Thus the sample study requires less time and less cost.
DATA LINK UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE

FACULTY OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
COMPUTER APPLICATION

BY: KOFI BOTCHWEY JNR - Bs 05080126

IRENE B. ASAMOAH - Bs 09100050
MICHEAL M. KODIE - Bs 05080394
GABRIEL SMITH - Bs 05080397
SOAD KHALIL - Bs 04070010
Eunice Kyei Bosompem - Bs 03070182
TO- Mr. Ben Ghansah