Sampling Techniques

 Sampling – Process of
choosing a representative
of the entire population
is called sampling.
 Reasons for Sampling
Sampling is used because:
 Save time and money
 Accurate measurement
 Wide survey
 Scientific research
 Reduce the demand on resources i.e. cost of investigation
 When results are quickly required
•Sampling techniques
Three main types of sampling strategy:
 Random
 Systematic
 Stratified
 
 Random Sampling Techniques

• Every member of the population being

studied has an equal chance of being selected.
• Least biased of all sampling techniques, there is no
subjectivity - each member of the total population has
an equal chance of being selected
• Can be obtained using random number tables
• Microsoft Excel has a function to produce random
number
The function is simply:
• =RAND()
Type that into a cell and it will produce a random number in that cell. Copy the
formula throughout a selection of cells and it will produce random numbers.
You can modify the formula to obtain whatever range you wish, for example if you
wanted random numbers from one to 250, you could enter the following formula:
• =INT(250*RAND())+1
Where INT eliminates the digits after the decimal, 250* creates the range to be covered,
and +1 sets the lowest number in the range.
Paired numbers could also be obtained using;
• =INT(9000*RAND())+1000
These can then be used as grid coordinates, meter and centimeter sampling stations
along a transect, or in any feasible way.
Example:
In a TV program, for example, participants may be asked to pick a prize at random.
Listing all the possible prizes and assigning a number to each prize can do this. The
numbers are then written on pieces of paper and placed in a box or container where they
are mixed thoroughly. When the participants draw a number from the box, he would
have drawn a number at random. The practice of awarding prizes through the raffle
system follows the principle of random sampling.
Simple random can be done by
a. Lottery method
b. Random Tables

Types of Simple Random sample

 With replacement
The unit once selected has the chance for again selection.

 Without replacement
The unit once selected cannot be selected again.
Advantages and disadvantages of random sampling
Advantages:
• Can be used with large sample populations
• Avoids bias
Disadvantages:
• Can lead to poor representation of the overall parent population or area
if large areas are not hit by the random numbers generated. This is made
worse if the study area is very large
• There may be practical constraints in terms of time available and access
to certain parts of the study area
Systematic sampling
Samples are chosen in a systematic, or regular way.
• They are evenly/regularly distributed in a spatial context, for example
every two meters along a transect line
• They can be at equal/regular intervals in a temporal context, for example
every half hour or at set times of the day
• They can be regularly numbered, for example every 10th house or person
A method of choosing a random sample from among a larger population. The
process of systematic sampling typically involves first selecting a fixed starting
point in the larger population and then obtaining subsequent observations by
using a constant interval between samples taken. Hence, if the total
population was 1,000, a random systematic sampling of 100 data points within
that population would involve observing every 10th data point.
Illustration of Systematic Sampling
Selecting a sample of 100 students out of 1000, the sample interval will be
1000 divided by 100 i. e 10.
Then make small chits bearing numbers 1 to 10 and put them into a box.
Then by using lottery method withdraw one slip and suppose we get number 5
then proceed to select numbers starting with 5 with a regular interval of 10.
The selected sample consists of elements bearing nos. 1, 15, 25,………..105,115
and so on.
It should be noted that up to selecting no. 5, Systematic sampling can be
treated as probability sampling and afterwards it is non- probability because
the chances of other elements are certainly affected.
In this example numbers other than 5 have no chance of being selected.
Advantages and disadvantages of systematic sampling
Advantages:
• It is more straight-forward than random sampling
• A grid doesn't necessarily have to be used, sampling just has to be at
uniform intervals
• A good coverage of the study area can be more easily achieved than using
random sampling
Disadvantages:
• It is more biased, as not all members or points have an equal chance of
being selected
• It may therefore lead to over or under representation of a particular pattern
 Systematic samples could be biased if:
1. The elements on the list have been ranked according to a characteristics.
2. If the list contains a pattern corresponding to a sampling interval.