Practical Aspects of Sampling

An Overview

Why Sample?

Why Sample?
Samples

are taken to obtain information about populations. estimators are computed to estimate parameters of the the population from which the sample was drawn.

Sample

Advantages
Complete

enumeration of all sample units in the entire universe is often unnecessary to obtain reasonably accurate results.

Advantages
An

examination of the entire population is often too costly, too time-consuming, and impractical (.if not impossible).

Advantages
In

the case of destructive testing, the sample elements or units must be destroyed or must be consumed to obtain necessary measurements.

Precision
The

standard error [se] is a measure of precision. A smaller se, other things remaining the same, means more precision .....that is, less variance in the sampling.

Sample Size
for a mean
n = z2 2 / e2
where: e, the sampling error, is the difference between sample mean and population mean

[e is expressed in units]

Sample Size
for a proportion n = [z2 p (1 p)] / e2
where: e, the sampling error, is the difference between sample proportion and population proportion

[ e is expressed in percentage points]

Sample Size

Errors
Sampling

(internal) Error

The fact that a sample was taken, the sample statistic is expected to deviate from the population parameter.

Errors
Non-Sampling

(external) Error

Practical considerations in taking a sample.

recording errors coding errors processing errors

Errors
Bias

Most insidious to detect ....

poorly defined universe inadequate sampling design improperly worded questions distorted answers convenience sampling

Errors
The

sampling error refers to the extent to which the sample values on some variable of importance to the research differ from those of the population from which it was drawn.

Types of Random Samples

Simple Random
with

replacement without replacement

must be able to identify the target population and ensure each item has an equal likelihood of being selected .use table of random numbers or computer generate a series of random numbers

Stratified
When

the population is heterogeneous overall, but within it there are homogeneous populations (strata) the population is stratified.

Systematic
Selecting

a random sample, as opposed to the simple random selection technique. Select the K-th item. Draw every I-th item.

Cluster
Another

modified random sample design -- requires that the sample unites be grouped in clusters in the universe. Not grouped by homogeneous strata in the population.

Multistage
The

selection procedure takes place in a hierarchy of stages.

first second third ..... last primary sample unit second sample unit tertiary sample unit

final (or ultimate) sample unit

Multistage - An Example
The president of Supermarkets, Inc. decided to sample purchases at 150 stores in the US. The first stage is to select, on the basis of clustering (save travel time), 15 of the 150 stores.

Multistage - An Example
The researcher recommends that cash register files be randomly selected at each of the 150 stores. [second stage]
Then select every 20th purchase in a file using a random start. [final stage]

Comparison of Survey Sampling Designs

Simple Random

How to Select assign numbers to elements using random numbers table

Strengths/Weaknesses basic, simple, often costly must assign a number to each element in target population

Stratified

How to Select divide population into groups that are similar within and different between variable of interest

Strengths/Weaknesses with proper strata, can produce very accurate estimates. less costly than simple random sampling must stratify target population correctly

Stratified

One of the main reasons for using a stratified sample is that stratifying has the effect of reducing sampling error for a given sample size to a level lower than that of a simple random sample of the same size.

Stratified
This is so because of a very simple principle: the more homogeneous a population is on the variables being studied, the smaller the sample size needed to represent it accurately. Stratifying makes each sub-sample more homogeneous by eliminating the variation on the variable that is used for stratifying.

Systematic

How to Select select every K-th element are from a list after a random start

Strengths/Weaknesses produces very accurate estimates when elements in population exhibit order used when pop. size not known simplifies selection process

Cluster

How to Select randomly choose clusters and sample all elements within each cluster

Strengths/Weaknesses with proper clusters, can produce accurate estimates useful when sample frame not available or travel costs high must cluster target population correctly

Convenience

in Dining Commons at dinner in Student Union between classes in classes in which you are enrolled data available on the www friend knows somebody who...

Mini-Cases
Working as a team determine best sampling technique and explain decision

Scenario 1

You have been hired by the County of Sacramento to estimate the percentage of registered voters that favor issuing a bond in order to finance the construction of a new bike trail along the Sacramento River. You want no more than a 4 percentage point error margin, at the 95% confidence level. How would you conduct such a survey using a simple random sample?

Scenario 1
When

(continued)

going over your sampling design with the county Parks Director, you are asked whether you think a stratified sample would be appropriate? What is your reply? Why? about a systematic sample?

What

Travel Vouchers

Fly the Friendly Skis

Scenario #2
o

The State of California has hired you to estimate the number of travel vouchers for legislators that have been filed incorrectly. The vouchers have been filed as they are processed.
Which sampling technique would you recommend and why?

Light Rail

Scenario #3

Light Rail has hired you to determine whether passengers like the convenience of using the light rail system.
Which sampling technique would you recommend and why? Other concerns that might be investigated?

Trucks

Scenario #4
Marketers,

Inc., has hired you to determine why so many young drivers, both male and female, prefer owning a pickup truck as compared to an automobile.
sampling technique would you recommend and why?

Which

Merit Pay

Scenario #5
You

have been hired to determine how faculty at a local university feel about the following statement: the union is seeking to obtain a moratorium on merit pay.
sampling technique would you recommend and why?

Which

Questions?

References
Levine,

David, et al. Statistics for Managers, Second Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1999.
Duane R., et al. Applied Social Research New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1986.

Monette,