SAMPLING DESIGN

SAMPLING DESIGN
A sample is a target population which is carefully selected to represent the population. It
refers to the technique or the procedure the researcher would adopt in selecting item for
sample.
Sampling design is a design, or a working plan, that specifies the populations frame,
sample size, sample selection, and the estimation method in detail. Objective of the
sampling design is know the characteristics of the population. A sample design is a
definite plan for obtaining as sample from given population.
STEPS IN SAMPLING DESIGN
1. Define the population or universe
The universe can be finite or infinite. In finite Universe the number of items is limited. In
the case of infinity universe the number of items is infinite. That means we cannot
measure the number of units.
2. State the sampling frame
It is the source list from samples is draw. It contains the name of all items of the universe.
It is the means of representing the elements of the population. Example telephone book,
directory etc..
3. Identify the sampling unit
Sampling unit may be geographical one or construction of unit or a social unit. The
researcher should select one or more of the sampling unit
4. State sampling method
A number of methods are used for selecting samples. It includes probability sampling
methods, non probability sampling methods.
5. Determining the sample size
This refers to the number of items to be selected from the universe. The sample size
should not be large or small. It should be optimum. That means the sample size selected
is one which fulfills the requirement of consistency, competence, flexibility and
representativeness.
6. Spell out the sampling plan
It means he should decide the techniques, which are used in selecting the item of
sample. In fact it is the sample design.
7. Select the sample
It is the last step. The needed sample to be selected.
FEATURES OF A GOOD SAMPLE DESIGN
8. The outcome of good sample design must be a truly representative sample
9. The selected sample design should not cause more errors
10. Sample design should be viable on the basis of budget constraints
11. The researcher should be able to apply the result of the study conducted on the basis
of sample selected
12. If the sample is well designed and selected, the sample’s opinions mirror the
preference of the larger population in general and decision makers can use this
information with confidence
TYPES OF SAMPLE DESIGN / METHODS /TECHNIQUES OF SAMPLING
1. Probability sampling for random sampling
2. Non probability sampling or non random sampling
PROBABILITY SAMPLING FOR RANDOM SAMPLING
Probability sampling means that every member of the population has a
chance of being selected. It is mainly used in quantitative research. If you
want to produce results that are representative of the whole population, you
need to use a probability sampling technique.
The random samples can be classified in to two
3. Simple unrestricted random sampling.
4. Restricted random sample.
1. SIMPLE UNRESTRICTED RANDOM SAMPLING.
In a simple random sample, every member of the population has an equal
chance of being selected. Your sampling frame should include the whole
population
• Method of lottery
In this method, each member of the population has to number
systematically and in a consequent manner by writing each number on a
separate piece of paper. These pieces of paper are mixed and put into a box
and then numbers are drawn out of the box in a random manner.
• Random number method
The use of random numbers is an alternative method that also involves
numbering the population. The use of a number table similar to the one
below can help with this sampling technique.
2. STRATIFIED SAMPLING
This sampling method is appropriate when the population has mixed
characteristics, and you want to ensure that every characteristic is
proportionally represented in the sample.
You divide the population into subgroups (called strata) based on the
relevant characteristic (e.g. gender, age range, income bracket, job role).
From the overall proportions of the population, you calculate how many
people should be sampled from each subgroup. Then you use random or
systematic sampling to select a sample from each subgroup.
 3. CLUSTER SAMPLING
Cluster sampling also involves dividing the population into subgroups or
clusters, but each subgroup should have similar characteristics to the whole
sample. Instead of sampling individuals from each subgroup, you randomly
select entire subgroups.
If it is practically possible, you might include every individual from each
sampled cluster. If the clusters themselves are large, you can also sample
individuals from within each cluster using one of the techniques above.
This method is good for dealing with large and dispersed populations, but
there is more risk of error in the sample, as there could be substantial
differences between clusters. It’s difficult to guarantee that the sampled
clusters are really representative of the whole population.
4. MULTISTAGE CLUSTER SAMPLING
Multistage sampling is a modification of cluster sampling in which a sample
rather than a 100 per cent sample of the whole cluster is used at the second
stage. This type of Sampling is often used in National surveys runs.
In the first stage the initial clusters are randomly selected. These initial
clusters are called primary sampling units (PSUs). Then in a second stage a
random sample is set up within the selected PSU it is known as multistage
cluster sampling
5. SYSTEMATIC SAMPLING:
In some instances, the most practical way of sampling is to select every ‘n’ th
item on a list. Sampling of this type is known as systematic sampling. An
element of randomness is introduced into this kind of sampling by using
random numbers to pick up the unit with which to start.
6. RANDOM ROUTE SAMPLING
This method is used in market research surveys mainly for sampling
household, shops, garages, and other premises in urban areas. Address is
selected at random from sampling frame as a starting point. Interviewer
then give instructions to identify further addresses by taking alternate left
and right hand turns at Road junctions and calling at every nth address.
NON PROBABILITY SAMPLING
Non-probability sampling is a sampling technique where the samples are
gathered in a process that does not give all the individuals in the population
equal chances of being selected.
TYPES OF NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING
1. CONVENIENCE SAMPLING
As the name suggests, this involves collecting a sample from somewhere
convenient to you: the mall, your local school, your church. Sometimes
called accidental sampling, opportunity sampling or grab sampling.
A convenience sample simply includes the individuals who happen to be
most accessible to the researcher. This is an easy and inexpensive way to
gather initial data, but there is no way to tell if the sample is representative
of the population, so it can’t produce generalizable results.
2. PURPOSIVE SAMPLING
Where the researcher chooses a sample based on their knowledge about the
population and the study itself. The study participants are chosen based on the study’s
purpose.
This type of sampling involves the researcher using their judgement to select a sample
that is most useful to the purposes of the research.
It is often used in qualitative research, where the researcher wants to gain detailed
knowledge about a specific phenomenon rather than make statistical inferences. An
effective purposive sample must have clear criteria and rationale for inclusion
3. ACCIDENTAL SAMPLING
In this method the researcher simply contacts and picks up those cases which he come
across and thus continuing the process till the total sample reaches a designated size.
Accidental sampling, also known as grab or opportunity sampling, is a form of non-
probability sampling that involves taking a population sample that is close at hand,
rather than carefully determined and obtained.
4. QUOTA SAMPLING
Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling technique wherein the researcher ensures
equal or proportionate representation of subjects depending on which trait is considered
as basis of the quota.
In quota sampling researchers create a sample involving individuals that represent a
population. Researchers choose these individuals according to specific traits or qualities.
They decide and create quotas so that the market research samples can be useful in
collecting data. These samples can be generalized to the entire population.
5. SNOWBALL SAMPLING
If the population is hard to access, snowball sampling can be used to recruit participants
via other participants. The number of people you have access to “snowballs” as you get in
contact with more people.
6. SELF SELECTION
Self selection is perhaps self explanatory. Respondents themselves decides that the
would like to take part in our survey
SAMPLE SIZE
Sample size refers to the number of participants or observations included in a study. This
number is usually represented by ‘n’ .The number (n) of observations taken from a
population through which statistical inferences for the whole population are made.
Sample size may be optimum size. An optimum sample may be defined as that size of
sample ,which fulfils the requirements of efficiency, representativeness, reliability and
flexibility.
A lot of factors have to be considered while deciding the size of the sample. They are:
1. Nature of population
If the composition of the survey population is more heterogeneous , fewer cases will yield
better result. But if the population is more heterogeneous in nature number of cases may
be required to constitute a reliable sample size
2. Complexity of tabulation
The size of the sample determines how the findings are grouped, classified and tabulated
3. Problems related with collection of data
Time and money available for research is considered while collecting data.
4. Types of sampling
5. Basic information
Such information may be got through pilot study, past survey etc..
6. Degree of accuracy required
7. The desired level of confidence
PRINCIPLES OF SAMPLING
 Principle of ‘Statistical Regularity’
The principle of statistical regularity is derived from the theory of probability
in mathematics. According to this principle, when a large number of items is
selected at random from the universe, then it is likely to possess the same
characteristics as that of the entire population.
 Principle of ‘Inertia of Large Numbers’
Large groups of data shows a higher degree of stability than smaller ones; there is a
tendency for variation in the data to be calculated out by each other.
ERRORS IN SAMPLE SURVEYS
Survey results are typically subject to some error. Total errors can be classified into
sampling errors and non-sampling errors.
 SYSTEMATIC BIAS
Systematic bias occurs from the errors in the sampling procedure. It cannot be reduced or
eliminated by increasing the samples. The following are the main causes of systematic bias.
Causes of systematic bias
 Unsuitable sample frame or source list.
If the sampling frame is a biased representative of population, it will result in systematic
bias.
 Faulty measuring device.
 Non respondent
 Indeterminacy principle.
 Usual bias in reporting data.
 SAMPLING ERRORS
The errors which arise due to the use of sampling survey are known as sampling errors.
These are random variation in the sample estimate around the true population
parameters.
Type of sampling errors
 Biased errors: These errors are occurring due to the faulty selection of sampling
method due to the prejudice of the researchers
 Unbiased errors: This type of bias is occurring due to chance difference between the
items included in the sample.
Causes of bias
Bias may arise due to,
1. Faulty process selection.
2. Faulty work during the collection of information.
3. Faulty method of analysis.
NON SAMPLING ERRORS
Non sampling errors can be occurred in any survey whether a complete enumeration or
sampling. It includes mistakes and biases. Mistake may be committed at the time of
tabulation.
It can be occur at every stage of planning and execution of the census or survey. Non
sampling errors may occurs from one or more of the following factors.
 Inappropriate statistical unit
 Inadequacy of data specification
 Lack of trained and experienced investigators
 Errors caused due to non respondents
 Errors occurring in data processing operations