Sample

A sample is a portion of a population selected

for further analysis. (Subset of the Population)
A sample is composed of some fraction or part
of the total number of elements or units in a
defined population.
 SAMPLING

Sampling the process of selecting some

elements from a population to represent that
population.
 PILOT TEST

Pilot test is a trial collection of data to detect

weaknesses in design and instrumentation and
provide proxy data for selection of a sample.
 SAMPLE FRAME

Sample frame list of elements in the population

from which the sample is actually drawn.
 SAMPLING DESIGN

Characteristics of a Good sample design

• truly representative sample
• small sampling error.
• funds available for the research study
• systematic bias can be controlled in a better
way.
• The result of the sample, for the universe
with a reasonable level of confidence.
 STEPS IN THE SAMPLING PROCESS

STEP DESCRIPTION
1.Define the population The population is defined in terms of a) element, b) units,
c) extent and d) time
2.Specify sampling frame The means of representing the elements of the
population for example, telephone book, map or city
directory are described.
3. Specify sampling unit The unit for sampling is selected. The sampling unit may
contain one or several population elements.

4.Specify sampling method The method by which the sampling units are to be
selected is described.

5.Determine sampling size The number of elements of the population to be sampled

is chosen.

6.Specify sampling plan The operational procedures for selection of the sampling
units are selected.

7. Select the sample The office and field work necessary for the selection of
the sample are carried out.
 Symbols

A statistic is a characteristic of a sample &

parameter is a characteristic of a population.
• Population size = N
• Population mean = m
• Standard deviation = Sample size = n
• Mean = x
• Standard deviation= s
 SAMPLES METHOD

PROBABILITY SAMPLES

Simple random or unrestricted random

sampling
(i) Lottery method
(ii) Table of random numbers
 Probability
Restricted random sampling
(i)Stratified
(ii)Systematic
(iii) Cluster or Multi Stage
Iv) Purposive Sampling
V)Multiple or Double repetitive sampling
 NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLES

• Judgment samples
• Quota Samples
• Convenience
 Source of Errors
SAMPLING ERRORS
1.The use of an inadequate frame.
2.A poorly designed questionnaire.
3.Recording and measurement errors.
4.Non-response problems.
5. Biased errors ( may arise due to (i) faulty process of
selection, (ii) faulty work during the collection of
information, and (iii) faulty method of analysis.)

SAMPLE ERROR = FRAME ERROR + CHANCE

ERROR +RESPONSE ERROR
 Survey Non-Sampling Errors
• Vague questionnaire;
• Vague conception regarding the information desired;
• Inappropriate statistical unit;
• Inaccurate/inappropriate methods of interview;
• Observation or measurement;
• Errors in data processing operations such as coding, punching,
verification, tabulation, etc errors committed during presentation and
printing of tabulated results.
• Non sampling errors tend to increase with the sample size
and require to be controlled and reduced to a minimum.