Sampling & Sampling Distributions
Sampling & Sampling Distributions
Distributions
By: Mansi K.
Basic Terminologies
• Sampling: It is the process of selecting a sample from the population. For this
population is divided into a number of parts called sampling units
Need of Sampling
• Increased Speed: Collection of data, analysis and interpretation of data etc takes
less time
• Rapport: Better rapport is established with the respondents, which helps in validity
and reliability of results
Disadvantages of Sampling
• Need for specialized knowledge: The researcher need knowledge, training and
experience in sampling technique, statistical analysis etc.
Characteristics of a good sample
• Adequate in size
• Here, all the members have the same chance (probability) of being selected in the
sample. Random method provides an unbiased selection from population
• For example, for a sample of 50 students out of 400, the sampling fraction is
50/400=1/8 i.e. select one student out of every eight students in the population. The
starting point for the selection is chosen at random
Stratified Random Sampling
• The population is divided into smaller homogeneous group or strata by some
characteristic and from each of these strata, members are selected randomly.
• From each strata, simple random sampling or systematic sampling is used to select
the final sample
Cluster Sampling
• A researcher selects sampling units at random and then does complete observation of all the
units in the group
• For example, the study involves primary schools. Select 15 schools randomly and then study all
the children of 15 schools. It is also known as Area sampling.
Non Probability Sampling
• For example, an interviewer might need data from 40 adults and 20 adolescents in order
to study students television viewing habits
• Selection could be: 20 adult men and 20 adult women, 10 adolescent boys and 10 girls
• Snowball sampling: In this, the researcher identifies and select available respondents
who meet criteria for inclusion
• After the data have been collected from the subject, the researcher asks for a referral of
other individuals, who would also meet the criteria and represent the population of
concern.
A descriptive
measure A descriptive measure
Definition
calculated for calculated for sample
population
Population
Sample Size=n
size=N
Population
Sample mean= x̄
mean= μ
• Suppose we take a sample of size n from a normal population with mean μ and
standard deviation σ
Example: A bank calculates that its individual savings accounts are normally distributed with
a mean of $2,000 and a standard deviation of $600. If the bank takes a random sample of 100
accounts, what is the probability that the sample mean will lie between $1,900 and $2,050?
Sol: This is a question about the sampling distribution of the mean; therefore, we must first
calculate the standard error of the mean. In this case, we shall use the equation for the standard
error of the mean designed for situations in which the population is infinite
Sampling from Non Normal Populations
Example: The distribution of annual earnings of all bank tellers with five years’ experience is
skewed negatively (non normal). This distribution has a mean of $19,000 and a standard
deviation of $2,000. If we draw a random sample of 30 tellers, what is the probability that their
earnings will average more than $19,750 annually?
In Figure 6-8(b), we show the sampling distribution of the mean that would result, and we have
colored the area representing “earnings over $19,750.” Our first task is to calculate the standard
error of the mean from the population standard deviation, as follows
More Questions
Q1. An astronomer at the Mount Palomar Observatory notes that during the Geminid meteor
shower, an average of 50 meteors appears each hour, with a variance of 9 meteors squared. The
Geminid meteor shower will occur next week.
(a) If the astronomer watches the shower for 4 hours, what is the probability that at least
48 meteors per hour will appear?
(b) If the astronomer watches for an additional hour, will this probability rise or fall? Why?
Q2. In a normal distribution with mean 375 and standard deviation 48, how large a sample must
be taken so that the probability will be at least 0.95 that the sample mean falls between 370 and
380?
Finite Population Multiplier (when N is finite and
known)