Module 03:

Sampling and Sampling Distribution

1.] Sampling from a Finite Population

Ans: A finite population is a group with a fixed, countable number of items or
people.When we take a sample (a small part) from this group, it is called
sampling from a finite population.You can list or number every member of the
population.
Example:
Imagine a school has 500 students.
You want to conduct a survey about their favorite subject, but it's difficult to ask
all 500.
So, you select 50 students randomly to answer your questions.
Here:
• The population = 500 students (finite and countable)
• The sample = 50 students
• This is sampling from a finite population, because the total number of
students is known and limited.

2.] Sampling from an Infinite Population

Ans: An infinite population is a group where the number of items is so large or
unknown, that you can’t count them all.You assume the population is endless or
continuous.You still take a sample, but you can't list every item like in a finite
population.

Example:
Suppose you are studying the amount of rain falling in a forest every minute.
Since rain is continuous and happens all the time, there are endless data points
(you can't count each raindrop or minute forever).
So, you take samples — like measuring rain for 10 random minutes.
Here:
• The population = All possible moments rain can fall (infinite)
• The sample = 10 measured minutes
• This is sampling from an infinite population.

3.] Simple Random Sampling

Ans: Simple Random Sampling is a method where each individual or item in a
group (called the population) has an equal chance of being chosen. It’s like a
lucky draw — everyone has the same opportunity to be selected, and the
selection is done purely by chance, without any bias.
Example:
Let’s say a teacher wants to pick 5 students from a class of 30 to help with a
school event. She writes all 30 student names on pieces of paper, puts them in a
box, shakes it well, and then picks 5 names without looking. Each student had the
same chance of being picked, and the selection was completely random. That’s
simple random sampling.
This method is considered fair and is widely used when you want to make sure
the sample truly represents the whole group.

4.] Stratified Random Sampling

Ans:Stratified Random Sampling is a method where the population is first
divided into smaller groups, called strata, based on a shared characteristic (like
age, gender, grade, etc.). Then, a random sample is taken from each group.
This method makes sure that all important sub-groups are properly represented in
the final sample. It is especially useful when the population is diverse, and you
want your sample to reflect that diversity.
Example:
Imagine a college has 1,000 students, where:
• 600 are engineering students
• 300 are commerce students
• 100 are arts students
You want to select 100 students for a survey.
With stratified random sampling, you:
• Divide students into 3 groups based on their course
• Then, take samples proportionally:
o 60 from engineering
o 30 from commerce
o 10 from arts
You randomly select these numbers from each group.
This way, all courses are fairly represented in the sample, and the final results are
more accurate and unbiased.

5.] Cluster Sampling

Ans: Cluster Sampling is a method where the population is divided into groups,
called clusters, and then entire clusters are randomly selected. Instead of
choosing individuals from all over the population, you select a few whole groups,
and include everyone in those groups in your sample.
It’s often used when the population is large or spread out over a wide area, and it
would be too difficult or expensive to sample individuals from everywhere.

Example:
Imagine a company wants to survey employees across the country. It has offices
in 20 cities. Instead of picking random employees from all 20 cities, the company
randomly selects 5 cities, and then surveys all employees in those 5 selected
cities.
Each city (office) is a cluster, and the survey includes everyone in the selected
clusters.
This method is quicker and cheaper, but it may not be as accurate as stratified or
random sampling, especially if the clusters are very different from each other.

6.] Systematic Sampling

Ans: Systematic Sampling is a method where you select every k-th item from a
population list, starting at a random point. It's a simple and quick way to choose a
sample, especially when the population is ordered or listed.
Instead of picking people randomly one by one, you pick them at regular
intervals.
Example:
Suppose a company has a list of 1,000 employees, and it wants to survey 100 of
them.
First, you calculate the interval:
k=1000100=10\text{k} = \frac{1000}{100} = 10k=1001000=10
Then, you randomly choose a starting point between 1 and 10 — let’s say you
start at 7.
Now you select every 10th person from there: 7, 17, 27, 37, and so on.
This way, the sample is spread evenly across the population, and it’s easier than
picking each one randomly.
However, systematic sampling can be biased if the list has a repeating pattern
that matches your interval.

7.] Convenience Sampling

Ans: Convenience Sampling is a method where you select individuals who are
easiest to reach or access. It's a quick and simple way to gather a sample, but it
may not be very accurate or representative of the entire population.
This method is often used when time or resources are limited, but it can lead to
bias because the sample might not reflect the diversity of the whole population.
Example:
Let’s say you’re conducting a survey on study habits at your school. Instead of
randomly selecting students from the entire school, you decide to ask the students
who are sitting in the library when you arrive. This is convenient because they
are nearby and available, but it might not represent the habits of students who
study in other places or not at all.
Because you’re only selecting from a specific group of students (those in the
library), your sample may be biased, and the results might not apply to all
students at the school.

8.] Judgment Sampling

Ans: Judgment Sampling, also known as Purposive Sampling, is a method where
the researcher selects the sample based on their own judgment. The researcher
chooses individuals or items they believe will provide the most valuable or
relevant information for the study. This method is not random and relies on the
researcher's expertise to decide who or what to include.
Example:
Suppose you're studying the effectiveness of a new teaching method. You decide
to interview only experienced teachers because you believe they can give the
most insightful feedback about the method.
In this case, instead of randomly selecting teachers, you're using judgment
sampling because you're selecting based on your belief that these teachers will
provide the best information.