SAMPLING METHODS AND TECHNIQUE

by Dr. Prasant Sarangi

Statistics in general deals with large numbers. It does not deal with a single figure. All the items under considerations in any field of enquiry constitute a universe or population. The analysis of the entire population in the study is called as Census method of collecting data. In practice on the other hand, it is so happens that it is not possible to examine or consider all the items. Again in maximum cases consideration of all the items of an population is also not necessary.

 Sampling is simply the process of learning about population on the basis of sample drawn from it. Under this method a small group of universe is taken as the representative of the whole mass and the results are drawn. It is the method to make social investigation practicable and easy.

Objective of sampling method:

The prime objective of the sample survey is to obtain accurate and reliable information about the universe with minimization of cost, time, and energy.

Advantages of Sampling method:

The volume of data in case of sampling method is small, which can be collected and analyzed quickly. Hence one can get the results urgently if he desires. Sometimes Census method is impossible to be employed. For example: the list of manufactures of series. In such a case a sample is tested to represent the entire population. Since the sample size is small. Hence, detailed information from the respondents can be collected.

Disadvantages of Sampling method:

There is possibility that the results obtained may be false, inaccurate and misleading as the sample might not have been drawn properly. Choose of sample errors are great. The investigator may have personal bias especially with regard to choice of techniques and drawing sampling units. The size of sample may not be sufficient to represent the entire universe. When the universe is small one then it is not advisable to go for sample.

Factors affecting the size of sample:

Homogeneity or Heterogeneity of the universe: selection of sample depends on the nature of the universe. It says that if the nature of universe is homogeneous than a small sample will represent the nature of entire universe. Number of classes proposed: if a large number of class intervals to be made than the size of sample to be more because to represent the entire universe. In case of small samples there is the possibility that some samples may not be included.

 Nature of study: the size of sample also depends on the nature of study. For an intensive study which may be for a long time, large samples are to be chosen. In case of general studies large number of respondents are to be chosen but if the study is of technical in nature than the large number may cause difficulty in studying. Measurability: The application of statistical inference theory requires computation of the sampling error from the sample itself, probability sampling avoids this difficulty. When the research requires statistical inferences, the sample should be drawn by applying simple random sampling method or testified random sampling method.

Characteristics of good sample:

Representativeness: A sample may be representative of the population probability sampling technique yield representative samples. On measurement terms, the sample must be valid. Accuracy: Accuracy is defined as the degree to which bias is absent from the sample. An accurate (unbiased) sample is one which exactly represents the population. Size: A good sample must be adequate in size and reliable. The sample should be such that the inferences drawn from the sample are accurate to a given level of confidence.

Basis of Sampling

Different types of sampling techniques are used for drawing a sample plan. The methods of sampling are classified into two types: Probability sampling, and Non-probability sampling

1. Probability sampling: Different types of probability sampling techniques are: Random sampling Systematic sampling Stratified sampling Cluster sampling Multi-stage sampling, and Area sampling

(a) Random Sampling:

According to W.M.Harper, a random sample is a sample selected in such a way that every item in the population has an equal chance of being included. This type of sampling is more suitable in comparatively large samples.

 Selecting from sequential list: Under this the names are first arranged serially according to alphabetical, geographical or simply in serial order. Than out of this every 10th number or any other number of cases may be taken up. Grid system: According to this method a map of the entire area is prepared. Than a screen with sequence is placed upon the map and the area falling within the selected area are taken as samples.

 Lottery method: The various units of the universe are numbered on small and identical slips of papers which are folded and mixed together in a drum. A blindfold selection is than made of the number of slips required to constitute the directed size of sample. Use of tables of random methods: The most practical and economical method of selecting a random sample consists in the use of random numbers which have been so constructed that each of the digits from 0,1,2 9 appears with approximately the same frequency and independently with each other.

Merits of Random Sample method: It is more scientific method of taking out samples from the universe since it minimizes personal bias. No advance knowledge of the characteristic of the population is necessary under this method. It is assumed that the samples drawn under this method are true representative of the universe.

Demerits of Random Sample method: This method requires complete list of the universe. But in real life such information is not available in many research which restrict the use of this method. In field research where the area of coverage is fairly large than the units selected under this method are expected to be scattered in widely geographical area and thus may be time consuming. Sometimes this method give such results whose probability is very small.

(b) Stratified Random sampling:

When the population of a research is heterogeneous with respect to the variables collected under study than the technique of stratified sampling is used to obtain more efficient and accurate result.

The process of stratified Random sampling involves the following steps:

The universe is first divided into sub-groups and the required units are selected at random from each sub-group. Each and every unit in the population must belong to one and the only stratum. In other words various strata must be non-overlapping. The size of each stratum in the universe must be large enough to provide selection of items on random basis.

Merits of Stratified Random sampling:

If a correct stratification has been made, even a small number of units will form a representative sample. No significant group is left unrepresented. This is more precise and to a great extent avoids bias. It also save time and cost of data collection since the sample size is less in this method.

Demerits of the method:

It is a very difficult task to divide the universe into homogeneous strata. If the stratification is faulty, the results obtained may be biased.

(c )Systematic sampling:

Under this method the sample is taken from the list proposed on the systematic arrangements either on basis of alphabetic order or on house number or any other method. In this method only the first sample unit is selected at random and the remaining units are automatically selected in a definite sequence at equal spacing from one another.

Steps involved in Systematic sampling:

The population is arranged in serial numbers from 1 to N and the size of sample is determined. The sampling interval is determined by dividing the population by the size of the sample i.e. N/n=K. where K=sample interval, n=sample size and N=size of population. Any number is selected at random from the first sampling interval. The subsequent samples are selected at equal or regular intervals.

Merits of Systematic sampling:

The method is having following merits: It is very easy to operate and checking can also be done quickly. Randomness and probability features are present in this method which makes sample representative.

Demerits of the method:

This method works well only if the complete and up-to-date frame is available and if the units are randomly arranged. Any hidden mistake in the list will adversely affect the representativeness of the sample.

(d) Cluster sampling:

Under this method the entire population is divided into some acceptable sub-divisions which are termed as clusters and simple random sampling of these clusters is drawn and then the survey of each and every unit in the selected clusters is made.

Principles of cluster sampling: Cluster should be as small as possible with the cost and limitations of the survey. The number of sampling unit in each cluster should approximately same.

Merits of cluster sampling: This method provides significant cost gain, and It is easier and more practical method which facilitates the field work.

Demerits of cluster sampling: Probability and representativeness of the sample is sometimes affected if the number of the clusters is very large. The results obtained under this method is likely to be more less accurate.

 This method is generally used in selecting a sample from a very large area. It refers to a sampling technique which is carried out in various stages. Here the population is regarded as made of a number of primary units, each of which is further composed of a number of secondary stage units which is further composed of third stage units and so on till a researcher ultimately reach the desired sampling unit. At each stage there is a random selection and the size of sample may be proportional or disproportional depending on the size and character of variations based on the purpose of enquiry. Hence the area of survey is restricted into small units.

Merits of this method: This method is more flexible in comparison to the other methods of sampling. This technique is of great significance in surveys of underdeveloped area where no uptodate and accurate frame is generally available for the sub-division of the populations into reasonable small divisions

Demerits of the method: Errors are likely to be more in this method in comparison to any other probability method. A multi-stage is usually less efficient than a suitable single stage sampling. It results in listing of first stage units, second stage units etc., though complete listing is not necessary.

2. Non-probability sampling:

Non-probability sampling or judgment sampling is based on the personal judgment. Under this method a desired number of sample units are selected deliberately or purposely depending upon the subject of the enquiry so that only the important items representing the true characteristic of population are included in the sample. The methods of non-probability sampling are: Purposive sampling Quota sampling, and Convenience sampling.

(a) Purposive sampling: Here the researcher selects the units of samples on the judgment of his/own decision and nothing is left with the chance. (b) Quota sampling: In this case the samples are stratified into small units. After this the number of sample units to be selected from each stratum is decided by the researcher in advance. This number is called as quota which is fixed according to some specific characteristic such as income group, sex, occupation etc.

(c) Convenience sampling: It is known as unsystematic, careless, accidental sampling. The sample is selected in accordance to the requirement of the researcher. The requirement may be in respect of availability of data, time factor etc.