Chapter 13
Sampling
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Relevant Terms - 3
• The characteristics of the population such as µ (the
population mean), σ (the population standard
deviation), and σ2 (the population variance) are
referred to as its parameters.
• The central tendencies, the dispersions, and other
statistics in the sample of interest to the research are
treated as approximations of the central
tendencies, dispersions, and other parameters of
the population.
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Precision and Confidence
• Precision indicates how close the sample
statistics are to the population parameters.
• Usually, a bigger sample size offers greater
precision than a smaller one, especially when
the population is heterogenous in the
characteristics of interest to the study.
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Precision and Confidence
• Confidence indicates the percentage of times
when our projected statistics will be truly
reflecting the population parameters.
• This again, is a function of the sample size – a
bigger sample size will allow for a projection
to be made at a higher level of confidence.
But, for any given sample size, we cannot
increase both precision and confidence
simultaneously.
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Statistics versus Parameters
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Advantages of Sampling
• Less costs
• Less errors due to less fatigue
• Less time
• Destruction of elements avoided
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The Sampling Process
• Major steps in sampling:
– Define the population.
– Determine the sample frame
– Determine the sampling design
– Determine the appropriate sample size
– Execute the sampling process
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Sampling Techniques
• Probability versus nonprobability sampling.
• Probability sampling: elements in the
population have a known and non-zero
chance of being chosen
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Sampling Techniques
• Probability Sampling
– Simple Random Sampling
– Systematic Sampling
– Stratified Random Sampling
– Cluster Sampling
• Nonprobability Sampling
– Convenience Sampling
– Judgment Sampling
– Quota Sampling
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Simple Random Sampling
• Procedure
– Each element has a known and equal chance of being
selected
• Characteristics
– Highly generalizable
– Easily understood
– Reliable population frame necessary
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Systematic sampling
• Procedure
– Each nth element, starting with random choice of an
element between 1 and n
• Characteristics
– Ideal simple random sampling
– Easier than simple random sampling
– Systematic biases when elements are not randomly listed
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Cluster sampling
• Procedure
– Divide of population in clusters
– Random selection of clusters
– Include all elements from selected clusters
• Characteristics
– Intercluster homogeneity
– Intracluster heterogeneity
– Easy and cost efficient
– Low correspondence with reality
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Stratified Sampling
• Procedure
– Divide of population in strata
– Include all strata
– Random selection of elements from strata
• Proportionate
• Disproportionate
• Characteristics
– Interstrata heterogeneity
– Intrastratum homogeneity
– Includes all relevant subpopulations
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(Dis)proportionate stratified sampling
• Number of subjects in total sample is allocated among the
strata (dis)proportional to the relative number of elements in
each stratum in the population
• Disproportionate case:
– strata exhibiting more variability are sampled more than proportional
to their relative size
– requires more knowledge of the population, not just relative sizes of
strata
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Example
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Choice Points in Sampling Design
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Trade off between precision and confidence
▪ We can increase both confidence and precision by
increasing the sample size
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Sample size: guidelines
• In general: 30 < n < 500
• Categories: 30 per subcategory
• Multivariate: 10 x number of var’s
• Experiments: 15 to 20 per condition
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Sample Size for a Given Population Size
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