Simple Random Sampling | Definition, Steps & Examples

Published on August 28, 2020 by Lauren Thomas. Revised on July 6, 2022.

A simple random sample is a randomly selected subset of a population. In this sampling method, each
member of the population has an exactly equal chance of being selected.

This method is the most straightforward of all the probability sampling methods, since it only involves a
single random selection and requires little advance knowledge about the population. Because it uses
randomization, any research performed on this sample should have high internal and external validity.

Example

The American Community Survey (ACS) uses simple random sampling. Officials from the United States
Census Bureau follow a random selection of individual inhabitants of the United States for a year, asking
detailed questions about their lives in order to draw conclusions about the whole population of the US.

Table of contents

When to use simple random sampling

Simple random sampling is used to make statistical inferences about a population. It helps ensure high
internal validity: randomization is the best method to reduce the impact of potential confounding
variables.

In addition, with a large enough sample size, a simple random sample has high external validity: it
represents the characteristics of the larger population.

However, simple random sampling can be challenging to implement in practice. To use this method,
there are some prerequisites:

You have a complete list of every member of the population.

You can contact or access each member of the population if they are selected.

You have the time and resources to collect data from the necessary sample size.
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.

How to perform simple random sampling

There are 4 key steps to select a simple random sample.

Step 1: Define the population

Start by deciding on the population that you want to study.

It’s important to ensure that you have access to every individual member of the population, so that you
can collect data from all those who are selected for the sample.

Example: Population

In the American Community Survey, the population is all 128 million households who live in the United
States (including households made up of citizens and non-citizens alike).

Step 2: Decide on the sample size

Next, you need to decide how large your sample size will be. Although larger samples provide more
statistical certainty, they also cost more and require far more work.
There are several potential ways to decide upon the size of your sample, but one of the simplest
involves using a formula with your desired confidence interval and confidence level, estimated size of
the population you are working with, and the standard deviation of whatever you want to measure in
your population.

The most common confidence interval and levels used are 0.05 and 0.95, respectively. Since you may
not know the standard deviation of the population you are studying, you should choose a number high
enough to account for a variety of possibilities (such as 0.5).

You can then use a sample size calculator to estimate the necessary sample size.

Example: Sample size

The ACS follows 3.5 million households each year. This is a small fraction of the overall population of 128
million households, but it is a large enough sample size to gather detailed data on all geographical
regions and demographic groups in the United States, including those usually underrepresented in
surveys.

Step 3: Randomly select your sample

This can be done in one of two ways: the lottery or random number method.

In the lottery method, you choose the sample at random by “drawing from a hat” or by using a
computer program that will simulate the same action.

In the random number method, you assign every individual a number. By using a random number
generator or random number tables, you then randomly pick a subset of the population. You can also
use the random number function (RAND) in Microsoft Excel to generate random numbers.

Example: Random selection

The Census Bureau randomly selects addresses of 295,000 households monthly (or 3.5 million per year).
Each address has approximately a 1-in-480 chance of being selected.

Step 4: Collect data from your sample

To ensure the validity of your findings, you need to make sure every individual selected actually
participates in your study. If some drop out or do not participate for reasons associated with the
question that you’re studying, this could bias your findings.

For example, if young participants are systematically less likely to participate in your study, your findings
might not be valid due to the underrepresentation of this group.

Example: Data collection

The Census Bureau first sends a letter to ask the respondents to fill the survey out online. If occupants of
an address do not respond, the Bureau calls the home telephone number. If all else fails, a
representative visits the address in person.

Through this variety of methods, the officials collecting data for the ACS manage to receive responses
from 95% of those randomly selected, a high response rate that supports the validity of their results.

Get your paper edited on language errors, structure and clarity by an experienced editor.

Frequently asked questions about simple random sampling

What is probability sampling?

What is simple random sampling?

What is an example of simple random sampling?

When should I use simple random sampling?

Why are samples used in research?

What is sampling bias?

Is this article helpful?

Lauren Thomas

Lauren Thomas
Lauren has a bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science and is currently finishing up a master's
in Economics. She is always on the move, having lived in five cities in both the US and France, and is
happy to have a job that will follow her wherever she goes.

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