G01 Abuloc, Marvie Isabel R.

March , 2024
11-Dynamism

RANDOM SAMPLING

A simple random sample is a randomly selected subset of a population. In this

sampling method, each member of the population has an exactly equal chance of being
selected.
This method is the most straightforward of all the probability sampling methods,
since it only involves a single random selection and requires little advance knowledge
about the population. Because it uses randomization, any research performed on this
sample should have high internal and external validity, and be at a lower risk for
research biases like sampling bias and selection bias.

Simple random sampling is used to make statistical inferences about a

population. It helps ensure high internal validity: randomization is the best method to
reduce the impact of potential confounding variables.

In addition, with a large enough sample size, a simple random sample has high
external validity: it represents the characteristics of the larger population.

However, simple random sampling can be challenging to implement in practice.

To use this method, there are some prerequisites:
- You have a complete list of every member of the population.
- You can contact or access each member of the population if they are selected.
- You have the time and resources to collect data from the necessary sample size.

Simple random sampling works best if you have a lot of time and resources to
conduct your study, or if you are studying a limited population that can easily be
sampled.
In some cases, it might be more appropriate to use a different type of probability
sampling:
- Systematic sampling involves choosing your sample based on a regular interval,
rather than a fully random selection. It can also be used when you don’t have a
complete list of the population.
- Stratified sampling is appropriate when you want to ensure that specific
characteristics are proportionally represented in the sample. You split your
population into strata (for example, divided by gender or race), and then
randomly select from each of these subgroups.
- Cluster sampling is appropriate when you are unable to sample from the entire
population. You divide the sample into clusters that approximately reflect the
whole population, and then choose your sample from a random selection of
these clusters.

Simple vs Stratified Random Sample

The simple random sampling techniques and stratified random sampling have different
ways of choosing samples from a population.

Simple Random Sampling:

Involves the entire population of data.
Every person or item is equally likely to be chosen.
Stratified Random Sampling:
Separates the population into groups with similar characteristics.
Samples are selected independently from each group.

Simple vs Cluster Sampling

While simple random samples treat each individual in the population as a potential
sample unit, cluster sampling involves grouping individuals into clusters or natural units
before selecting samples.

Simple Random Sampling:

No clusters or divisions within the population.
Each individual has an equal chance of selection.
Cluster Sampling:
Depends on one or more clusters.
Groups individuals into clusters, and then samples are selected from
these clusters.
Simple vs Systematic Sampling
Systematic sampling involves selecting samples at regular intervals after starting
randomly.

Simple Random Sampling:

No starting point or predetermined pattern.
Each individual has an equal chance of selection.
Systematic Sampling:
It involves choosing samples at regular intervals after a random start.
It can be easier to implement but may lead to biased results if patterns
exist in the data.

EXAMPLE:
Consider that a hospital has 1000 staff members and must allocate a night shift to 100
members. All their names will be put in a bucket to be randomly selected. Since each
person has an equal chance of being selected. Since we know the population size (N)
and sample size (n), the calculation can be as follows:

Advantages of Simple Random Sampling

Simple random sampling has several advantages, including:

- It is a fair sampling method, and if applied appropriately, it helps reduce any bias
involved compared to any other sampling method.
 - Since it involves a large sample frame, it is usually easy to pick a smaller sample
size from the existing larger population.
- The person conducting the research doesn’t need to have prior knowledge of the
data he/ she is collecting. One can ask a question to gather the researcher need
not be a subject expert.
- This sampling method is a fundamental method of collecting the data. You don’t
need any technical knowledge. You only require essential listening and recording
skills.
- Since the population size is vast in this type of sampling method, there is no
restriction on the sample size that the researcher needs to create. From a larger
population, you can get a small sample quite quickly.
- The data collected using this sampling method is valuable. The higher the
number of samples, the better the quality of the data.

Overall, this is a valuable and versatile method for gathering data and making
inferences about populations.

Disadvantages of Simple Random Sampling

Simple random sampling has some drawbacks that can affect the relevance of the
collected data:

- Sampling errors may happen if the sample doesn’t accurately reflect the intended
population.
- Excluding specific groups could lead to skewed results because of imbalanced
population demographics.
- Analyzing research results from simple random sampling can be time-consuming
and expensive, especially depending on the data’s size and format.
- The sample’s random selection may cause differences in the representation of
the population.
- Inaccurate results may arise due to non-response bias when certain groups
choose not to participate in the research.
References:
Fleetwood, D. (2024, February 9). Simple random Sampling: definition and examples.

QuestionPro. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/simple-random-sampling/

Thomas, L. (2023, December 18). Simple Random Sampling | Definition, Steps &

Examples. Scribbr.

https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/simple-random-sampling/