4th Chapter

Sampling

Sampling

Statistical-method-of
obtainingrepresentativedataor
observations
from
agroup(lot,batch,population,
oruniverse).

Definition of 'Sampling
A process used in statistical analysis in which
a predetermined number of observations will
be taken from a larger population. The
methodology used to sample from a larger
population will depend on the type of analysis
being performed, but will include simple
random sampling, systematic sampling and
observational
sampling.
The sample should be a representation of the
general population.

 Meaning Of Sampling: Sampling methods are used to select a

sample from within a general population.
Proper sampling methods are important for
eliminating bias in the selection process.
They can also allow for the reduction of cost
or effort in gathering samples. Common
methods of sampling include simple random
sampling (completely random selection from
the population),
systematic sampling (ordering the
population and selecting at regular intervals),

Contd.
stratified sampling (splitting the
population into categories and randomly
selecting from within each category),
matched random sampling (population is
divided into pairs based on a criterion and
then randomly assigned to groups), and
panel sampling (applying the same test
over time to randomly selected groups).

Needs for Sampling

In order to carryout primary research it is
necessary to use sampling.
This is because it would be impossible to ask
every single customer or prospective customer.
Sampling involves selecting a few peoples to
interview, and so it is important that they are
representative of the market being looked at
The Normal Distribution is a statistical model
which is often used to show why sampling is
necessary.

Aims of Sampling
We usually sample because we have
neither the time nor the money to collect
information about the entire population in
which we are interested. Before continuing
it will help to define samples and
populations more carefully.
Population:-A group that includes all the
cases (individuals, objects, or groups) in
which the researcher is interested. Sample
Sampling: A relatively small subset from a population.

Aims of sampling
Reduces cost of research (e.g. political
polls)
Generalize about a larger population
(e.g., benefits of sampling city r/t
neighbourhood)
In some cases (e.g. industrial production)
analysis may be destructive, so sampling
is needed

Probability
Probability: what is the chance that a
given event will occur?
Probability is expressed in numbers
between 0 and 1. Probability = 0
means the event never happens;
probability = 1 means it always
happens.
The total probability of all possible
event always sums to 1.

Sample or Population
We give different names to statistical measures
depending on whether they refer to a sample or a
population.
Parameter
A measure (for example, mean or standard deviation)
used to describe a population distribution. Statistic
Sampling
A measure (for example, mean or standard deviation)
used to describe a sample distribution.
This distinction is easy to remember if you keep the
initial letter of each word in mind:
Population:Parameter
Sample:Statistic
The following figure (which is also Figure 7.1 on page 198
in the textbook) graphically conveys the distinction
between samples and populations.

What is a census (complete

enumeration)?
Acensusis a study of everyunit,
everyone or everything, in a
population.It is known as acomplete
enumeration, which means a complete
count.

Census v/s Sampling

1.Each and every unit of
the population is studied.
2.Requires large amount
of finance, time and
labour.
3.Results are quite
reliable.
4.It is more suitable if
population is
heterogeneous in nature.
5.It cannot be used
when part of the
population is missing.

1.Only few units of the

population studied.
2.Relatively less amount
of finance, till labour is
required.
3.Results are less
reliable.
4.It is more suitable if
population homogeneous
in nature.
5.It can be used, if part
of the population is
missing.

Characteristics of a Good
Sample
In a field study due to time and cost
involved, generally, only a section of the
population is studied. These respondents
are known as the sample and are
representative of the general population or
universe. A sample design is a definite plan
for obtaining a sample from a population. It
refers to the technique or the procedure for
obtaining a sample from a given
population.

Following are the characteristics of good

sample design:
1.Sample design should be a representative
sample: A researcher selects a relatively small
number for a sample from an entire population.
This sample needs to closely match all the
characteristics of the entire population. If the
sample used in an experiment is a representative
sample then it will help generalize the results from
a small group to large universe being studied.
2.Sample design should have small sampling
error: Sampling error is the error caused by
taking a small sample instead of the whole
population for study. Sampling error refers to the
discrepancy that may result from judging all on the
basis of a small number. Sampling error is reduced
by selecting a large sample and by using efficient
sample design and estimation strategies.

 3.Sample design should be economically

viable:Studies have a limited budget called
the research budget. The sampling should be
done in such a way that it is within the
research budget and not too expensive to be
replicated.
4.Sample design should have marginal
systematic bias: Systematic bias results
from errors in the sampling procedures which
cannot be reduced or eliminated by increasing
the sample size. The best bet for researchers
is to detect the causes and correct them.
5. Results obtained from the sample
should be generalized and applicable to
the whole universe: The sampling design
should be created keeping in mind that
samples that it covers the whole universe of
the study and is not limited to a part.

Principles of Sampling
Sampling is a process of taking a few units
from a target population, analyzing the sample
data and making conclusion about the
population. with the help of probability
sampling estimate of population mean or other
parameter can be made with considerable
precision.the branch of statistics dealing with
this activity is called sampling theory.
there are two important principles on which
the theory of sampling is based
1.principle of statistical regularity; and
2.principle of inertia of large numbers

Principles of Statistical Regularity

The principle of statistical regularity is

bases on the statistical theory of
probability. King writes the law of
statistical regularity lays down that a
moderately large number of items chosen
at random form a large group are almost
sure on the average to possess the
characteristic of the large group.

Contd...
This principle states that when a sample is
chosen at random, it is likely to possess
almost the same characteristics and qualities
to the universe. The term random means that
each and every unit should have an equal
chance of being included in the made by
deliberate exercise of ones discretion. A
sample selected at random would represent
the unversed, if this method is followed, then
it is possible to depict the attributes of the
whole by studying a part of it.

Principle of Inertia of Large

Numbers
It is actually derived from the principle of
statistical regularity. According to it as
sample size increases, results would be more
reliable.
Large numbers are relatively more stable in
their characteristics than small numbers. It
does not mean the variation in large
numbers is not much. It is there; but it is
much less than what it is in small numbers.

Contd....
For example, if we toss a coin ten times it
is quite likely that we may get 7 heads
and 3 tails; but if we toss it 100 times,
results would be more dependable and
we may get say 60 heads and 40 tails. If
the coin is tossed 1000 times, the
likelihood is that the number of heads
and tails would be very close to each
other. Thus, larger the sample size, the
more dependable are the results.
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Simple Random
A randomly selected sample from a larger
sample or population, giving all the
individuals in the sample an equal chance
to be chosen. In a simple random sample,
individuals are chosen at random and not
more than once to prevent a bias that
would negatively affect the validity of the
result of the experiment.

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Systematic sampling
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.

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stratified random sampling,

A method of sampling that involves the
division of a population into smaller groups
known as strata. In stratified random
sampling, the strata are formed based on
members' shared attributes or
characteristics. A random sample from each
stratum is taken in a number proportional
to the stratum's size when compared to the
population. These subsets of the strata are
then pooled to form a random sample.
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Cluster sampling
Multistage sampling is a complex
form of cluster sampling. Cluster
sampling is a type of sampling which
involves dividing the population into
groups (or clusters). Then, one or
more clusters are chosen at random
and everyone within the chosen
cluster is sampled.
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Convenience sampling
A statistical method of drawing representative data by
selecting people because of the ease of their
volunteering or selecting units because of their
availability or easy access. The advantages of this type
of sampling are the availability and the quickness with
which data can be gathered. The disadvantages are the
risk that the sample might not represent the population
as a whole, and it might be biased by volunteers.
Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling
technique where subjects are selected because of their
convenient accessibility and proximity to the
researcher.

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Snoball sampling
In sociology and statistics research,
snowball sampling is a technique for
developing a research sample where
existing study subjects.

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Quota sampling
A sampling method of gathering
representative data from a group. As
opposed to random sampling, quota
sampling requires that representative
individuals are chosen out of a specific
subgroup. For example, a researcher might
ask for a sample of 100 females, or 100
individuals between the ages of 20-30.

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