Week 13: Sampling Techniques – ARG

Systematic sampling
In systematic random sampling, the researcher first randomly picks the first item
from the population. Then, the researcher will select each nth item from the list. The
procedure involved in systematic random sampling is very easy and can be done
manually. The results are representative of the population unless certain
characteristics of the population are repeated for every nth individual.
Steps in selecting a systematic random sample:
Calculate the sampling interval (the number of observations in the population divided
by the number of observations needed for the sample)
Select a random start between 1 and sampling interval
Repeatedly add sampling interval to select subsequent households

Ex:
If a

sample of 20 needs to be collected from a population of 100. Divide the population

into 20 groups with a member of (100/20) = 5. Select a random number from the first
group and get every 5 th member from the random number.
Applications
Quality Control: The systematic sampling is extensively used in manufacturing
industries for statistical quality control of their products. Here a sample is obtained
by taking an item from the current production stream at regular intervals.
In Auditing: In auditing the savings accounts, the most natural way to sample a list of
accounts to check compliance with accounting procedures.
Advantages
Cost and time efficient
Spreads the sample more evenly over the population
Disadvantages
Complete population should be known
Sample bias If there are periodic patterns within the dataset