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Sampling Class
Sampling Class
Sampling…
The process of selecting a number of individuals for a
study in such a way that the individuals represent the
larger group from which they were selected
Sample…
Sample
…the representatives selected for a study whose
characteristics exemplify the larger group from which
they were selected
Population…
Population
…the larger group from which individuals are selected to
participate in a study
The purpose for sampling…
POPULATION (N)
INFERENCE
IS THE SAMPLE
SAMPLE (n)
REPRESENTATIVE?
Sampling Process...
disadvantages…
disadvantages
…need names of all population members
…may over- represent or under- estimate sample
members
disadvantages…
disadvantages
…all members of the population do not have an equal
chance of being selected
disadvantages…
disadvantages
…need names of all population members
…there is difficulty in reaching all selected in the sample
…researcher must have names of all populations
Cluster sampling:
sampling method in which the population is divided
into groups, any of which can be considered a representative
Sample
Steps in cluster sampling...
1. Identify and define a logical cluster.
2. List all clusters (or obtain a list) that make up the
population of clusters.
3. Estimate the average number of population members per
cluster.
5. Determine the number of clusters needed by dividing the
sample size by the estimated size of a cluster.
6. Randomly select the needed number of clusters
7. Include in your study all population members in each
selected cluster.
advantages…
advantages
…efficient
…researcher doesn’t need names of all population
members
disadvantages…
disadvantages
…fewer sampling points make it less like that the sample
is representative
Nonrandom sampling methods...
1. Convenience sampling
2. Purposive sampling
3. Quota sampling
4. Snowball sampling
1. Convenience sampling:
sampling the process
of including whoever happens to be
available at the time
…called “accidental” or “haphazard”
sampling
disadvantages…
disadvantages
…difficulty in determining how much of
the effect (dependent variable) results
from the cause (independent variable)
2. Purposive sampling:
sampling the process
whereby the researcher selects a
sample based on experience or
knowledge of the group to be sampled
…called “judgment” sampling
disadvantages…
disadvantages
…potential for inaccuracy in the
researcher’s criteria and resulting
sample selections
3. Quota sampling:
sampling the process whereby
a researcher gathers data from
individuals possessing identified
characteristics and quotas
disadvantages…
disadvantages
…people who are less accessible (more
difficult to contact, more reluctant to
participate) are under-represented
4. Snowball sampling
It is commonly used when it is difficult to identify
members of the desired population, for example
people who are working while claiming
unemployment benefit.
•Make contact with one or two cases in the
population.
•Ask these cases to identify further cases.
•Ask these new cases to identify further new cases
(and so on).
•Stop when either no new cases are given or the
sample is as large as is manageable.
Mistakes to be conscious of...
1. Sampling error
2. Sampling bias