Random Sampling Stats
Random Sampling Stats
Random Sampling Stats
March , 2024
11-Dynamism
RANDOM SAMPLING
In addition, with a large enough sample size, a simple random sample has high
external validity: it represents the characteristics of the larger population.
Simple random sampling works best if you have a lot of time and resources to
conduct your study, or if you are studying a limited population that can easily be
sampled.
In some cases, it might be more appropriate to use a different type of probability
sampling:
- Systematic sampling involves choosing your sample based on a regular interval,
rather than a fully random selection. It can also be used when you don’t have a
complete list of the population.
- Stratified sampling is appropriate when you want to ensure that specific
characteristics are proportionally represented in the sample. You split your
population into strata (for example, divided by gender or race), and then
randomly select from each of these subgroups.
- Cluster sampling is appropriate when you are unable to sample from the entire
population. You divide the sample into clusters that approximately reflect the
whole population, and then choose your sample from a random selection of
these clusters.
EXAMPLE:
Consider that a hospital has 1000 staff members and must allocate a night shift to 100
members. All their names will be put in a bucket to be randomly selected. Since each
person has an equal chance of being selected. Since we know the population size (N)
and sample size (n), the calculation can be as follows:
- It is a fair sampling method, and if applied appropriately, it helps reduce any bias
involved compared to any other sampling method.
- Since it involves a large sample frame, it is usually easy to pick a smaller sample
size from the existing larger population.
- The person conducting the research doesn’t need to have prior knowledge of the
data he/ she is collecting. One can ask a question to gather the researcher need
not be a subject expert.
- This sampling method is a fundamental method of collecting the data. You don’t
need any technical knowledge. You only require essential listening and recording
skills.
- Since the population size is vast in this type of sampling method, there is no
restriction on the sample size that the researcher needs to create. From a larger
population, you can get a small sample quite quickly.
- The data collected using this sampling method is valuable. The higher the
number of samples, the better the quality of the data.
Overall, this is a valuable and versatile method for gathering data and making
inferences about populations.
- Sampling errors may happen if the sample doesn’t accurately reflect the intended
population.
- Excluding specific groups could lead to skewed results because of imbalanced
population demographics.
- Analyzing research results from simple random sampling can be time-consuming
and expensive, especially depending on the data’s size and format.
- The sample’s random selection may cause differences in the representation of
the population.
- Inaccurate results may arise due to non-response bias when certain groups
choose not to participate in the research.
References:
Fleetwood, D. (2024, February 9). Simple random Sampling: definition and examples.
QuestionPro. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/simple-random-sampling/
Thomas, L. (2023, December 18). Simple Random Sampling | Definition, Steps &
Examples. Scribbr.
https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/simple-random-sampling/