Types of Probability Samples

Simple Random Sampling Systematic Random Sampling Stratified Random Sampling Multi-stage Random Sampling Cluster Sampling Area Sampling

Simple Random Sampling

It is the most common and familiar type of probability sampling. It is also known as unrestricted random sampling. In this technique each and every unit of the universe has the same chance of being included in the sample. The selection of the units depends on the element of chance and it is not affected by investigators bias.

Methods of Random Sample:

i. ii. iii.

iv.

Lottery method Use of tables of random numbers Selection from sequential list Grid system

Methods of Random Sample

i.

Lottery Method: It is simple method of drawing a random sample.

ii.

a)

b)
c) d) e)

This consists in identifying each and every unit of the population with a distinct number which is recorded on a ticket, chit or token. If the units drawn are not replaced, then it is known as simple random sampling without replacement and if unit selected is replaced then it is called simple random with replacement. Use of Tables of Random Numbers: a random number is an arrangement of digit 0 to 9, where each position is filled with one of these digits. A table of random numbers is constructed in such a manner that all numbers 0,1,2.9 appear independent of each other. Some of tables of random numbers which are commonly used: Tippets Random Number Tables Fisher and Yates Tables Kendall and Smiths Tables Rand Corporations Random Number Tables Table of Random Numbers by C.R. Rao, Mitra and Mathai

Methods of Random Sample

iii. Selection from Sequential List: Under this method the names
are, first of all, arranged serially according to alphabetical, geographical or in serial order. Then out of this list of the universe every 10th or any other number may be included in the sample selected. iv. Grid System: This technique is generally used for selecting a sample of an area. In this method a map of entire area is drawn. Then a screen with squares is placed on the map and some of the squares are selected at random. After that the areas falling within the selected squares are taken as samples.

Simple Random Sampling

Advantages
Every unit has equal chance of being selected and chances of individual bias are less. ii. This method saves time and money in studying a problem. iii. It is possible to check the accuracy of sample by examining another sample from the same universe.
i.

Disadvantages
Sometimes only a few items are to be included in sample. Here this method is not possible. ii. If the universe includes heterogeneous units then this method is not of much use. iii. Investigator has less control over selection of units. Sometimes the selected units are spread over wide area and it is difficult to control all of them.
i.

Stratified Random Sampling

This is the most commonly used method among the various techniques of sampling. Here the population (universe) is divided into a number of groups called strata. It is called stratified sampling because it deals with strata. When the universe includes heterogeneous units, then the application of stratified sampling technique is useful. Under this method the universe is divided into sub-groups and sample is taken from each subgroup. If N is taken as the total population then N1, N2, N3 Nk are its sub-group. Thus N= N1+ N2+.. Nk.

Procedures for Drawing Probability Samples

Stratified Sampling

1. The universe is divided into sub-groups and from sub-group the required items are selected. 2. The stratification is done in such a manner that the items in one stratum are similar to each other.

3. Each and every unit in the universe belongs to one stratum only.
4. For selection of items on random basis the size of each stratum in the universe should be large. 5. Size of the sample from each strata may be either proportional or disproportional to the size of each stratum.

Stratified Random Sampling

Advantages
Compared with simple random sampling this method provides more efficient estimates with lesser degree of variability in each stratum. ii. Since sample size can be small therefore stratified sampling saves time and cost of data collection. iii. It ensures administrative convenience by dividing the universe into homogeneous strata.
i.

Disadvantages
It is difficult task to divide the universe into homogeneous groups. If stratification is faulty, accurate results cannot be obtained. ii. Disproportionate stratification needs assignment of weights to different strata and the faulty weighting will make the sample unrepresentative. iii. If the strata are overlapping, disproportionate or unsuitable then the selection of samples may not be representative.
i.

Systematic Random Sampling

Systematic random sampling is slightly different from the simple random sampling. Under this method a sample is taken from a list prepared on a systematic arrangement such as alphabetical, chronological, geographical order or on house number or any other method. In this method only the first unit is selected with the help of random numbers and the remaining units get selected automatically according to some definite pattern at equal spacing from one another. First of all population is arranged in serial order from 1 to N and the size of the sample is determined by dividing the population by the size of the sample i.e. N= nk Where N= size of population or k=N n= size of sample n k= interval of sample Systematic sampling dals with selecting any unit at random from the first unit and the subsequent units are selected at equal or regular intervals.

Systematic Random Sampling

Advantages
This method is simple to understand, very easy to operate and checking can also be done quickly. ii. This method is faster and less prone to error than simple random sampling iii.In comparison with simple and stratified random sampling techniques, this method saves a lot of time, energy and finance.
i.

Disadvantages
If the complete and upto-data frame is not available and the units are not randomly arranged, this method will not work efficiency and the estimation of standard error of sample mean will become complex. ii. Any hidden periodicity in the list will adversely affect the representative character of the sample and may contribute bias to the estimate of population mean.
i.

Multistage Random Sampling

As the name indicates, sampling is done in stages. In multistage sampling the material to be sampled is composed of a number of first stage sampling units, each of which in its turn, is made up of a number of third-stage units, and so on, on until we reach the ultimate sampling unit in which we are interested. The sampling is done in stages. At the first stage sampling units are sampled by some suitable random method. At the second stage units is selected from each of the selected first stage units, again by some suitable random method. Further stages may be added, if necessary, to get a sample of the ultimate sampling units. For example, to get a sample of crop-fields growing wheat in Punjab, we first of all get a sample of districts, then a sample of village from each selected district and finally sample of wheat crop-fields from each selected unit.

Multistage Random Sampling

Advantages
i. ii.

iii.

iv.

This method is flexible in comparison with others. It ensures great saving in operational cost, especially if the area to be covered is very large because the existing division and subdivisions of the material can be taken as sampling units at different stages. This method is more reliable and satisfactory. Under this method survey can be conducted with speed.

Disadvantages
i. ii.

iii.

In general this method is less efficient than single sample techniques. Errors are likely to be larger in this method as compared with other methods of sampling. It involves listing of first stage units, second stage units etc. though complete listing is not required which means a costly affair.

Cluster Sampling
It is a technique of selection in which the items for the sample are selected from the population in groups or cluster. Under this method, the universe is divided into some sub-divisions which are termed as clusters and a simple random sample of these clusters is drawn and then the data are collected from each and every unit in the selected cluster. The clusters used are generally, already existing natural or administrative groupings of the universe, for example, schools, colleges, universities, factories, political divisions, sub-divisions, etc.

Cluster Sampling

Advantages
This method provides significant cost gain as the collection of data from neighboring units is easier and cheaper. ii. This method is useful in the absence of ready availability of the data about the universe. iii.Because the sample units are located at one place, data can be collected quickly.
i.

Disadvantages
If the number of clusters is large then the representative character of the sample is affected. ii. The result obtained under this method are less accurate because the error may be in the cluster sampling as compared to the simple random sampling.
i.

Area Sampling
It is a special type of cluster sampling in which the sample items are clustered on the basis of geographical area. For this, the universe is first of all divided into certain parts on geographical basis of sampling. In this method the boundaries of the area should be well defined. Generally govt. agencies use area sampling to collect data about the effectiveness of their programmes like public distribution system, jawahar rozgar yojna,eradication of polio etc. this type of sampling is extensively used in the collection of agricultural statistics.

Area Sampling

Advantages
Since most of the data available in the govt. departments is on area basis, therefore area sampling is the best technique for conducting studies involving geographical area. ii. Since the investigator can interview many respondents at one place, the process of interviewing becomes more efficient. iii.It ensures proportional representation of each of the segments of the universe.
i.

Disadvantages
It requires the arrangement of units in a geographical system which is a stupendous task. ii. The sampling error may be high as the areas are not similar. iii.Each geographical area is not equally represented.
i.