Statistics

Lecture 2

Sampling Methods

Asst. Prof. Dr. Masoud M. Hassan

masoud.hassan@uoz.edu.krd

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 Sampling Techniques

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Sampling
Sampling is the process of selecting individuals from a population
to study them and characterize the population as a whole.

A good sample should satisfy the following conditions:

• Representativeness: The sample should be the best representative
of the population under study.
• Accuracy: Accuracy is defined as the degree to which bias is
absent from the sample. An accurate (unbiased) sample is one
that exactly represents the population.
• Size: A good sample must be adequate in size and reliability.

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Evaluate Generalizability
Once we have defined clearly the population from which we will
sample, we need to determine the scope of the generalizations we
will make from our sample.

• There are two different meanings of generalizability:

1. Can the findings from a sample of the population be generalized

to the population from which the sample was selected?

2. Can the findings from a study of one population be generalized

to another, somewhat different population?

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Sampling Techniques
1. Probability sampling: involves random selection, allowing you to make
statistical inferences about the whole group.
• Simple Random Sampling
• Systematic Sampling
• Stratified Sampling
• Cluster Sampling

2. Non-probability sampling: involves non-random selection based on

convenience or other criteria, making data collect simple.
• Convenience sampling
• Purposive sampling
• Snowball sampling
• Quota sampling
• Volunteer sampling
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Probability Sampling
• Probability sampling is normally preferred when conducting major
studies, especially when a population frame is available, ensuring
that we can select and contact each unit in the population.

• Probability sampling allows us to quantify the standard error of

estimates, confidence intervals to be formed and hypotheses to be
formally tested.

• The main disadvantage is Bias in selecting the sample and the costs
involved in the survey.

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1. Simple Random Sampling
—Subjects are chosen by random mechanism.
—Each subject has an equal chance of begin part of the study.

• For example: selecting 6 students out of 24 students in a class.

Each element for 6 students that we want to select it from 24
students has an equal chance for being chosen.

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 2. Systematic Sampling
• Select every kth subjects from a list of all possible subjects. OR
• Divide the population (N) by sample size (n) to get kth group and
then randomly selected one element from each kth group.

Example: use systematic sampling to select 3

students out of 9 students

• Step1: k = N/n= 9/3 = 3

• Step2: you randomly select a number between
1 and 3 and suppose it is 3 as a starting point.
• Step3: then your sample is 3rd, 6th, 9th students.

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3. Stratified Random Sampling
We use this method when the
population is non-homogenous. The
sample is selected by dividing the
population into groups (strata)
according to same characteristic,
and then taking samples from each
group by using simple random
sampling.

• We use the following formula for

the Stratified Random Sampling:
!!
!! = ∗ !!
!

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Stratified Random Sampling: an example

Suppose that in a hospital there are Solution:

𝑵𝟏 𝟗𝟎
the following staffs: 𝒏𝟏 = ∗𝒏= ∗ 𝟒𝟎 = 𝟐𝟎
𝑵 𝟏𝟖𝟎
—(Male, full-time = 90),
—(Male, part-time=18), 𝑵𝟐 𝟏𝟖
𝒏𝟏 = ∗𝒏= ∗ 𝟒𝟎 = 𝟒
—(Female, full-time = 9), 𝑵 𝟏𝟖𝟎
—(Female, part-time=63). 𝑵𝟑 𝟗
𝒏𝟏 = ∗𝒏= ∗ 𝟒𝟎 = 𝟐
𝑵 𝟏𝟖𝟎
and we were asked to take a 𝑵𝟒 𝟔𝟑
sample of 40 staff randomly? 𝒏𝟏 = ∗𝒏= ∗ 𝟒𝟎 = 𝟏𝟒
𝑵 𝟏𝟖𝟎

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4. Cluster Sampling
• First, divided population into several clusters.
• Second, randomly select a number of clusters.
• Then sample all the units within each cluster.

Example: select 12 students out of 36 students

using Cluster Sampling.
1. Create 9 clusters each contain 4 students.
2. Randomly select 3 clusters.
3. Take all students from those selected clusters.

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Non-probability Sampling

• Non-Probability samples are preferred when accuracy in the

results is not important. These are inexpensive, easy to run and no
frame is required.
• If a non-probability sample is carried out carefully, then the bias
in the results can be reduced.

The main disadvantage of Non-Probability sampling is “dangerous

to make inferences about the whole population.”

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Types of non-probability sampling methods:

1. Convenience Sampling: This method involves selecting

participants who are readily available and accessible to the
researcher.

2. Quota Sampling: it involves selecting participants to match pre-

determined quotas based on specific characteristics, such as age,
gender, or ethnicity.

3. Purposive Sampling: each sample element is selected for a

purpose, usually because of the unique position of the sample
elements.
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Types of non-probability sampling methods:

4. Snowball Sampling: it is useful for hard-to-reach or hidden

populations for which there is no sampling frame. It begins with
an initial participant and relies on referrals from that person to
find additional participants, leading to a growing "snowball"
sample. For example, drug users, sex workers, or refugees.

5. Volunteer Sampling: Volunteer sampling involves participants who

self-select or volunteer to be part of the study. This method is
commonly used in online surveys or studies where individuals
express interest in participating.

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 Any Question?

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