Module 7

Sampling
and
sampling distribution
 Population
• A group of individuals or items that
share one or more characteristics from
which data can be gathered and
analyzed.
 sampling

• Sampling is that part of statistical practice

concerned with the selection of individual
observations intended to yield some knowledge
about a population of concern, especially for the
purposes of statistical inference.
• Each observation measures one or more
properties (weight, location, etc.) of an
observable entity enumerated to distinguish
objects or individuals.
 The sampling process comprises of
several stages
1. Defining the population of
concern
2. Specifying a sampling frame, a
set of items or events possible to
measure
3. Specifying a sampling method for
selecting items or events from the
frame
4. Determining the sample size
5. Implementing the sampling plan
6. Sampling and data collecting
7. Reviewing the sampling process
 Two types of data collection
• Census technique
• In this technique each and every item or unit
constituting the universe is selected for data
collection
• Also called 100% enumeration technique

• Sample technique
• Under this technique some representative units, or
informants are selected from a universe
 Methods of sampling

Non-probability sampling
Probability sampling method method
 Sub classification of
non-probability sampling
• Quota method
• whole universe is divided
first into certain parts and
the total sample is allocated
among these parts
• Then judgment is used to
select the subjects or units
from each segment based
on a specified proportion
• For example, an interviewer
may be told to sample 200
females and 300 males
between the age of 45 and
60.

Also refer merits and demerits

 Also refer merits and demerits

• Convenience method
• It is a type of purposive sampling in which the sample units
are selected purposively by the investigator to suit his
convenience in the matter of location, and contact with the
units
• it is the method most commonly employed in many practical
situations
• Sequential method
• It is type of purposive sampling in which a number
of sample lots are drawn one after another in order
of a sequence till a satisfactory sample lot is
obtained

Also refer merits and demerits

 Sub classification of
probability sampling
• Simple random sampling
• Is a type of unrestricted random sampling in which
each and every item of the universe is selected by
chance, without interference of any bias or
purpose on the part of the invigilator
• In a simple random sample of a given size, all such
subsets of the frame are given an equal
probability.
• Each element of the frame thus has an equal
probability of selection: the frame is not subdivided
or partitioned
• Stratified random sampling
• In this different number of samples are drawn at
random from different strata, or divisions of the
universe
• The two main reasons for using a stratified
sampling design are [1] to ensure that particular
groups within a population are adequately
represented in the sample,
• and [2] to improve efficiency by gaining greater
control on the composition of the sample
• Systematic random sampling or quasi
random sampling
• In this the initial unit of the sample is selected at
random from the initial stratum of the universe ,and
the other units are selected at a certain space
interval from the universe arranged in a systematic
order like, numerical , alphabetical or geographical
order
• Selecting (say) every 10th name from the
telephone directory is called an every 10th
sample, which is an example of
systematic sampling
• Cluster sampling
• In this whole universe is subdivided into certain prominent
subgroups called clusters, and certain such clusters are
selected at random to provide for sample
• Sometimes it is cheaper to 'cluster' the sample in some
way
• e.g. by selecting respondents from certain areas only, or
certain time-periods only
• Cluster sampling is an example of '' or '
multistage sampling': in the first stage a sample of areas
is chosen; in the second stage a sample of respondent
within those areas is selected.
• Area sampling
• The total area under investigation is divided into
small sub-areas which are sampled at random or
by some restricted random process.
• Each of the chosen sub-areas is then fully
inspected and enumerated, and may form a frame
for further sampling if desired.
• Suitable for any common problem of population
 Sampling errors
• Are those errors which
occur on account of the
use of sample techniques
in the collection of data
• There is always some
difference between the
exact and estimated
values of the parameters
which is nothing but
sampling error
 Causes of sampling errors
• Selection of irrelevant , or unrepresentative
items as the samples
• Improper substitution of the sample items
• Bias in the estimating method
• Variability of the population
• Faulty demarcation of the statistical units
• Fluctuation of sampling
• Smallness of the size of the sample
Relation between sampling errors
and size of the sample
Size of the error

Size of the sample