Selecting Samples

Selecting Samples Population, Samples and Individual Cases

The need to sample

Sampling- a valid alternative to a census when

A survey of the entire population is impracticable Budget constraints restrict data collection Time constraints restrict data collection Results from data collection are needed quickly
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Overview of sampling techniques

Probability (representative)sampling
The four stage process
1. 2.

Identify sampling frame from research objectives

Decide on a suitable sample size

3.

Select the appropriate technique and select the sample

Check that the sample is representative of the population under study.

4.

Note: for population of less than 50 cases avoid probability sampling

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Identifying a suitable sampling frame

Problems of using existing databases -Individual databases are often incomplete -Information held by organisations in databases is inaccurate -Information held in databases soon becomes outdated Extent of possible generalisation from the sample

Validity and reliability

Avoidance of bias
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Sample size
Choice of sample size is influenced by

Confidence needed in the data Margin of error that can be tolerated Types of analyses to be undertaken

Size of the sample population and distribution

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The importance of response rate

Non- respondents and analysis of refusals Refusal to respond Ineligibility to respond Inability to locate respondent Respondent located but unable to make contact Obtaining a representative sample

Calculating the active response rate

Total response rate = total no. of responses total no. in sample - ineligible Active response rate = total no. of responses total no. in sample (ineligible + unreachable)

Estimating response rate and sample size

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Sample Size Determination for the Mean

The sample size n is equal to the product of the Z value squared and the variance , divided by the sampling error e squared. n = Z
e Description n = sample size needed Z = desired confidence interval e = acceptable sampling error = standard deviation
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Sample Size Calculation

The sample size refers to the number of cases to be included in a survey. Base Sample-size Calculation The appropriate sample size for a population-based survey is determined largely by three factors: (i) the estimated prevalence of the variable of interest, (ii) the desired level of confidence and (iii) the acceptable margin of error (sampling error). For a survey design based on a simple random sample, the sample size required can be calculated according to the following formula. n= z x p(1-p) e Description: n = required sample size z = confidence level at 95% (standard value of 1.96) p = estimated prevalence of variable e = margin of error at 5% (standard value of 0.05)
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Applying the Concepts

A survey is planned to determine the mean annual family medical expenses of employees of a large company. The management of the company wishes to be at 95% confident that the sample mean is correct within + $50 of the true population mean annual family medical expenses. A pilot study indicates that the standard deviation can be estimated as $400. a. How large a sample size is necessary? b. If management wants to be correct to within + $ 25, what sample size is

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Sampling Techniques
Probability (representative) sampling The chance or probability of each case being selected from the population is known and is usually equal for all cases. Applicable in cases statistical estimation of the characteristics of the population from the sample is needed. Non- probability (judgemental) sampling The probability of each case being selected from the population is not known and it is impossible to answer research questions or to address objectives that require statistical inferences about the characteristics of the population. You may still be able to generalise but not on statistical grounds.

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Probability Sampling (1)

Stages in the Probability Sampling process: 1. Identify a suitable sampling frame based in your research question (s) or objectives. 2. Decide on a suitable sample size. 3. Select the most appropriate sampling technique and select the sample. 4. Check that the sample is representative of the population.
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Probability Sampling (2)

Simple random Involves the selection of sample at random from the sampling frame using either random number tables or computer/online system. Systematic Systematic sampling involves you selecting the sample at regular intervals from the sampling frame Stratified random Stratified random sampling is a modification of random sampling in which you divide the population into two or more relevant and significant strata based on one or a number of attributes. Cluster Cluster sampling is on the surface similar to stratified sampling as you need to divide the population into discrete groups prior to sampling. For cluster sampling the sampling frame is the complete list of clusters rather than a list of individual cases within the population. Multi-stage Multi-stage (cluster) sampling is a development of cluster sampling in that it relies in a series of different sampling frames.

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Non- probability sampling (1)

Key considerations

Deciding on a suitable sample size Selecting the appropriate technique

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Non- probability sampling (2)

Sampling techniques Quota sampling (larger populations) Quota sampling is entirely non-random and is normally used for interview surveys. To select a quota sample you: 1. Divide the population into specific groups 2. Calculate a quota for each group based on relevant and available data. 3. Give each interviewer an assignment, which states the number of cases in each quota from which they must collect data. 4. Combine the data collected by interviewers to provide full sample. Purposive sampling Purposive or judgemental sampling enables you to use your judgement to select cases that will best enable you to answer your research question(s) and to meet your 16 objectives.

Non- probability sampling (3)

Snowball sampling Snowball sampling is commonly used when it is difficult to identify members of the desired population. You need to: 1. Make contact with one or two cases in the population 2. Ask theses cases to identify further cases 3. Ask these new cases to identify further new cases (and so on) 4. Stop when either no new cases are given or the sample is as large as is manageable. Self-selection sampling Self selection sampling occurs when you allow each case, usually individuals, to identify their desire to take part in the research. You need to: 1. Publicise your need for cases 2. Collect data for those who respond. Convenience sampling Involves selecting haphazardly those cases that are easiest to obtain for your sample such as the person interviewed at random.

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All choices depend on the ability to gain access to organisations

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