Lesson 3

Sampling Design

I. Sampling
Sampling is done in a wide variety of research settings. It is the process of
choosing elements, such as person, objects or groups from a known population of interest to be
included in a study in order to generate a fair result.

Sampling is done to reduce cost since it is less expensive conduct survey in a

sample than in whole population. Another advantage of using a sample instead of a population
is that in sampling, data can be obtained faster. Also, greater scope and accuracy are expected
since the volume of work in encoding and computing will be reduced.

II. Sampling Techniques

There are two types of sampling techniques: probability sampling and non-
probability sampling.

A. Probability Sampling

Probability sampling or random sampling gives all members of the population a known
and equal chance of being part in the sample. In other words, the selection of individuals does
not affect the chance of anyone else in the population being selected.

1. Simple random sampling

This is also called the lottery or the fishbowl method. Simple random sampling use
scientific calculator or computer program to generate a random number or a table of random
numbers to select the numbers for the elements to include in the sample.

2. Systematic Skip Sampling

Elements are listed numerically and then every “kth” element from the list is selected
from a randomly selected starting point.

3. Stratified Random Sampling

It is a method where the population is divided into sub-groups (called strata) base on
some well-known characteristics of the population, such as age, gender or socio-economic
status; then take a random sample from each strata. The selection of elements is then made
separately from within each strata, usually by random or systematic sampling methods.

The number of samples per strata may be equal or proportional.

Example: A study is conducted to 1,000 high school students of the University of the
East. Two hundred students will be selected to be part of the study. How many samples are
needed per year level using equal distribution?

N = 1,000 (number of population)

n = 4 (four groups: First Year, Second Year, Third Year and Fourth Year)
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Lesson 3: Sampling Design

N 200
ni = = = 50
n 4
Each year level must be represented by 50 students,

Example: A study is conducted to 1,000 high school students of the University of the
East. Two hundred students will be selected to be part of the study. The number of student per
year level is presented on a table. How many samples are needed per year level using
proportional allocation?

Year Level Population ( N i )

First Year 300
Second year 250
Third Year 250
Fourth Year 200

n  Ni
Use the formula: ni = where
N
n i is the number of sample per year level, N i is the population of student per
year level, N is total number of population of the high school students and n is the total sample
needed.

Year Level Population ( N i ) ni

First Year 300 200  300
nI = = 60
1,000
Second year 250 200  250
n II = = 50
1,000
Third Year 250 200  250
n III = = 50
1,000
Fourth Year 200 200  200
n IV = = 40
1,000

4. Cluster Sampling

In this method, the researcher divides the population into groups, or clusters. Elements
within a cluster are heterogeneous or are dissimilar. Select clusters at random then use all
units in the selected clusters as the sample.

B. Non-probability Sampling

Unlike probability sampling, non-probability sampling does not give everyone an equal
chance of being selected to be part of the sample. Non-probability sampling procedures are
much less desirable, as they will almost certainly contain sampling biases.

Some of the methods under non-probability sampling are quota, convenience and
purposive sampling.
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Lesson 3: Sampling Design

Examples: Classify what sampling technique was used in each statement.

1. Every 15th customer entering the saloon is given a free hair treatment.
2. Teacher writes students name in a paper, shuffle it and draw five for the recitation.
3. Ten students were selected from each course to be part of the program.
4. The Dean wants to know the perception of members of the different student
organizations about a certain school regulation.