Week 1 Lesson 2

Background

Week 1 Lesson 2 is a continuation of the week 1 discussion on the introductory

concepts to Biostatistics.
Topics this Week
Populations and Samples
Sampling and Sampling Techniques
Key Concepts
Statistics and Statistic
Sampling Techniques, Sample / Subjects and Population
Probability Sampling
Non- Probability Sampling
Advantages and Disadvantages in using Probability Sampling Methods
Advantages and Disadvantages in using Non -Probability Sampling
Methods

Textbook
Reading

Read pages 15-21 of your textbook.

Activities

Activity 1
With the assigned topic/s to your group, find at least one very good internet site or
Url that you think is useful to that topic/s. Discuss in no more than 2 sentences why
it is useful; what important lessons will you get from the Url site.
Activity 2
Identify at least one lesson you have learned in this weeks discussion and in brief
discuss its importance with your groupmates.
Activity 3
Discuss your thoughts on the use of probability and non- probability sampling
techniques and its implications to research.

Journal
Activity

Submit your initial thoughts regarding your research journal paper in relation to the
topics we have discussed so far.
Statistics and Statistic
Parameter: A parameter is a characteristic of the whole population.
Statistic: A statistic is a characteristic of a sample, presumably measurable.
Remember: Parameter is to Population as Statistic is to Sample.
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Week 1 Lesson 2
e.g. Assume there are 30 patients in the CVU (Cardio Vascular Unit), with 7
who just underwent bypass surgery. Since 7 is 23% of 30, we can say 23%
underwent bypass surgery. The 23% represents a parameter (not a statistic)
of the patients because it is based on the entire population. If we assume this
patients is representative of all patients with heart failures who underwent
bypass, and we treat these 7 patients as a sample drawn from a larger
population, then the 23% becomes a statistic.
Sampling Techniques, Sample / Subjects and Population
Sample and population can be best described through the Venn Diagram.

U
S

The universal set is the population, which signifies the totality of all the
characteristics, while subset s is the sample or the representative of the population.
Samples may be called subjects, as in subjects of the study.
Sampling Technique is the process of drawing a representative called sample
from a group of characteristics called population.
Sampling can be done by identifying first whether your target or required sample is
probable or non probable.

Some books
defines probable
sample as
random sample
while nonprobable as nonrandom sample.

Types of Samples

Probable/ Random

Non Probable/ Non-Random

A sample is probable if every individual in a population has a known chance (or

probability) of being selected as a sample. Thus, in probability sampling, statistical

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Week 1 Lesson 2
influences can be made to the larger population. On the other hand, it is non
probable when it is not.
Methods of gathering probable and non probable samples are presented in the
table below.
Probable Sampling/
Random

Non Probable Sampling/

Non-Random

Simple Random

Quota and Dimensional

Systematic

Convenience

Stratified

Purposive

Cluster

Multi - stage

Probability Sampling
In random sampling, every individual has an equal chance of selection.
Systematic samples are selected from every nth person. Every individual
does not have an equal chance of selection. It may create biases if
individuals are clustered together as they would be by surname in a
telephone directory. However, this as efficient as random sampling.
Stratified sampling can be used to ensure adequate coverage of sub
populations, where the number of strata defends on the number of sub
populations for study. For example: gender, occupation, education and
length of residence.
In stratified sampling, the number of sample selected is proportional to their
number in total population. However, in some cases, disproportional numbers
maybe used to ensure better coverage.
Cluster sampling is used to save time and travel costs when population is
widely scattered, difficult to interview, or where the total population is not
known.
Cluster sampling can be done singly or thru multi- stage. Single stage sampling
divides the population into a large number of groups or clusters, which are
selected by random or systematic method.

Multi stage sampling is used only if there is no alternative. Among the

probability approaches, this is the least reliable. Example of this would be
when a number of census enumeration areas are selected at random,
followed by a random selection of barangays within the census areas.
Random selection within each barangay must also be done.

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Week 1 Lesson 2

Non- Probability Sampling

In non probability sampling, we do not know the total population, and as a result
we have no way of knowing how typical or valid our population is. Statistical tests
of significance are therefore inappropriate.

Quota sampling Here, the respondents are selected according to the

interest of the researcher; selected by convenience.
Dimensional sampling is an extension of quota sampling. Group sizes are
proportional to their assumed numbers in the population.
Convenience sampling where the interviewer interviews whoever is
convenient. It may enable the researchers to get a feel for the issue they
are researching but it has no other valid use.

In summary, the advantages and disadvantages of using these methods are

presented in the following tables.
Advantages and Disadvantages in using Probability Sampling
Methods:
Method

Advantages

Disadvantages

Simple
Random

Requires little advance

knowledge of .
Easy to analyze

Sample frame (number of

sample) is needed.
Does not use researchers
knowledge of the .
Involves high cost in the
implementation.

Systematic

Ensures good spread of

respondents.
May allow smaller sample
size than simple random.

Sampling interval can

introduce bias if individuals or
samples are clustered.

Stratified

As for systematic

Knowledge of stratum
proportions needed.

Cluster

Easy to use.
Low Cost.

Possibility of large sampling

error if duplication or
omission is done.

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Week 1 Lesson 2
Advantages and Disadvantages in using Non -Probability Sampling
Methods:
Method

Advantages

Disadvantages

Quota and
Dimensional

No is required.
Some stratification of
may occur.

There is possibility of bias in

the classification chosen.
Statistical tests are
inappropriate.

Convenience

Easy to use.
Low Cost.
No use for any knowledge
of size, or characteristics.

No control on biases.
Statistical tests are
inappropriate.

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