Bangladesh University

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 8

Bangladesh university

Subject code:2201
Subject name: social statistics
Assignment name: Application of statistics in sociology -1

Submitted to
Umme Rezowana
Lecture
Bangladesh University
Department of sociology

Submitted by
Name: Rabiul Islam
Roll:2017116366016
Batch:36th
Dep: sociology
Date of submission :9/12/20
Assignment on sampling
Definition: A sample is defined as a smaller set of data that a researcher chooses
or selects from a larger population by using a pre-defined selection method. These
elements are known as sample points, sampling units, or observations. Creating a
sample is an efficient method of conducting research. In most cases, it is
impossible or costly and time-consuming to research the whole population. Hence,
examining the sample provides insights that the researcher can apply to the entire
population.
For example, if a cell-phone manufacturer wants to conduct a feature research
study among students in US Universities. If the researcher is looking for features
that the students use, features they would like to see, and the price that they are
willing to pay, an in-depth research study has to be conducted. This step is
imperative to understand the features that need development, the features that
require an upgraded, pricing of the device, and the go-to-market strategy. In
2016/17 alone, there were 24.7 million students enrolled in universities across the
US. It is impossible to research all of these students; the time spent would create
the new device redundant, and the money spent on development would render the
study useless. Creating a sample of universities by geographical location and
further creating a sample of these students from these universities provides a large
enough number of students for research

Typically, the population for market research is enormous. Making an enumeration


of the whole population is practically impossible. The sample usually represents a
manageable size from this population. Researchers then collect data from these
samples in the form of surveys, polls, and questionnaires, and extrapolates this data
analysis to the broader community.

Types of samples: Sample selection methodologies with examples


The process of deriving a sample is called a sampling method. Sampling forms an
integral part of the research design as this method derives the quantitative data and
the qualitative data that can be collected as part of a research study. Sampling
methods are characterized into two distinct approaches: probability sampling and
non-probability sampling.
Probability sampling methodologies with examples
Probability sampling is a method of deriving a sample where the objects are
selected from a population-based on the theory of probability. This method
includes everyone in the population, and everyone has an equal chance of being
selected. Hence, there is no bias whatsoever in this type of sample. Each person in
the population can subsequently be a part of the research. The selection criteria are
decided at the outset of the market research study and form an important
component of research.
Probability sampling can be further classified into four distinct types of samples.
They are:
 Simple random sampling: The most straightforward way of selecting a
sample is simple random sampling. In this method, each member has an
equal chance of being a part of the study. The objects in this sample
population are chosen purely on a random basis, and each member has the
same probability of being selected. For example, if a university dean
would like to collect feedback from students about their perception of the
teachers and level of education, all 1000 students in the University could
be a part of this sample. Any 100 students can be selected at random to be
a part of this sample.
 Cluster sampling: Cluster sampling is a type of sampling method where
the respondent population is divided into equal clusters. Clusters are
identified and included in a sample based on defining demographic
parameters such as age, location, sex, etc. This makes it extremely easy for
a survey creator to derive practical inferences from the feedback. For
example, if the FDA wants to collect data about adverse side effects from
drugs, they can divide the mainland US into distinctive clusters, like
states. Research studies are then administered to respondents in these
clusters. This type of generating a sample makes the data collection in-
depth and provides easy to consume and act upon, insights.
 Systematic sampling: Systematic sampling is a sampling method where
the researcher chooses respondents at equal intervals from a population.
The approach to select the sample is to pick a starting point and then pick
respondents at a pre-defined sample interval. For example, while selecting
1,000 volunteers for the Olympics from an application list of 10,000
people, each applicant is given a count of 1 to 10,000. Then starting from
1 and selecting each respondent with an interval of 10, a sample of 1,000
volunteers can be obtained.
 Stratified random sampling: Stratified random sampling is a method of
dividing the respondent population into distinctive but pre-defined
parameters in the research design phase. In this method, the respondents
don’t overlap but collectively represent the whole population. For
example, a researcher looking to analyze people from different
socioeconomic backgrounds can distinguish respondents into their annual
salaries. This forms smaller groups of people or samples, and then some
objects from these samples can be used for the research study.
Non-probability sampling methodologies with examples
The non-probability sampling method uses the researcher’s discretion to select a
sample. This type of sample is derived mostly from the researcher’s or
statistician’s ability to get to this sample. This type of sampling is used for
preliminary research where the primary objective is to derive a hypothesis about
the topic in research. Here each member does not have an equal chance of being a
part of the sample population, and those parameters are known only post-selection
to the sample.
We can classify non-probability sampling into four distinct types of samples. They
are:
 Convenience sampling: Convenience sampling, in easy terms, stands for
the convenience of a researcher accessing a respondent. There is no
scientific method of deriving this sample. Researchers have nearly no
authority over selecting the sample elements, and it’s purely done on the
basis of proximity and not representativeness. This non-probability
sampling method is used when there are time and cost limitations in
collecting feedback. For example, researchers that are conducting a mall-
intercept survey to understand the probability of using a fragrance from a
perfume manufacturer. In this sampling method, the sample respondents
are chosen purely on their proximity to the survey desk and their
willingness to participate in the research.
 Judgemental/purposive sampling: The judgemental or purposive
sampling method is a method of developing a sample purely on the basis
and discretion of the researcher purely on the basis of the nature of study
along with his/her understanding of the target audience. In this sampling
method, people who only fit the research criteria and end objectives are
selected, and the remaining are kept out. For example, if the research topic
is understanding what University a student prefers for Masters, if the
question asked is “Would you like to do your Masters?” anything other
than a response, “Yes” to this question, everyone else is excluded from
this study.
 Snowball sampling: Snowball sampling or chain-referral sampling is
defined as a non-probability sampling technique in which the samples
have traits that are rare to find. This is a sampling technique, in which
existing subjects provide referrals to recruit samples required for a
research study. For example, while collecting feedback about a sensitive
topic like AIDS, respondents aren’t forthcoming with information. In this
case, the researcher can recruit people with an understanding or
knowledge of such people and collect information from them or ask them
to collect information.
 Quota sampling: Quota sampling is a method of collecting a sample
where the researcher has the liberty to select a sample based on their
strata. The primary characteristic of this method is that two people cannot
exist under two different conditions. For example, when a shoe
manufacturer would like to understand from Millenials their perception of
the brand with other parameters like comfort, pricing, etc. It selects only
females who are Millenials for this study as the research objective is to
collect feedback about women’s shoes.
How to determine a sample size:
As we have learned above, the right sample size is essential for the success of data
collection in a market research study. But is there a correct number for sample
size? What parameters decide the sample size? What are the distribution methods
of the survey? To understand all of this and make an informed calculation of the
right sample size, it is first essential to understand four important variables that
form the basic characteristics of a sample. They are:
 Population size: The population size is all the people that can be
considered for the research study. This number, in most cases, runs into
huge amounts. For example, the population of the United States is 327
million. But in market research, it is impossible to consider all of them for
the research study.
 The margin of error (confidence interval): The margin of error is
depicted by a percentage that is a statistical inference about the confidence
of what number of the population depicts the actual views of the whole
population. This percentage helps towards the statistical analysis in
selecting a sample and how much error in this would be acceptable.
 Confidence level: This metric measures where the actual mean falls
within a confidence interval. The most common confidence intervals are
90%, 95%, and 99%.
 Standard deviation: This metric covers the variance in a survey. A safe
number to consider is .5, which would mean that the sample size has to be
that large.
Calculating sample size
To calculate the sample size, you need the following parameters.
 Z-score: The Z-score value can be found, here.
 Standard deviation
 Margin of error
 Confidence level
To calculate use the sample size, use this formula:
Sample Size = (Z-score)2 * StdDev*(1-StdDev) / (margin of error)2
Consider the confidence level of 90%, standard deviation of .6 and margin of error,
+/-4%
((1.64)2 x .6(.6)) / (.04)2
( 2.68x .0.36) / .0016
.9648 / .0016
603
603 respondents are needed and that becomes your sample size.

Advantages of sampling
Sampling ensures convenience, collection of intensive and exhaustive data,
suitability in limited resources and better rapport. In addition to this, sampling has
the following advantages also.

1. Low cost of sampling


If data were to be collected for the entire population, the cost will be quite high. A
sample is a small proportion of a population. So, the cost will be lower if data is
collected for a sample of population which is a big advantage.

2. Less time consuming in sampling


Use of sampling takes less time also. It consumes less time than census technique.
Tabulation, analysis etc., take much less time in the case of a sample than in the
case of a population.

3. Scope of sampling is high


The investigator is concerned with the generalization of data. To study a whole
population in order to arrive at generalizations would be impractical.

Some populations are so large that their characteristics could not be measured.
Before the measurement has been completed, the population would have changed.
But the process of sampling makes it possible to arrive at generalizations by
studying the variables within a relatively small proportion of the population.

4. Accuracy of data is high


Having drawn a sample and computed the desired descriptive statistics, it is
possible to determine the stability of the obtained sample value. A sample
represents the population from which its is drawn. It permits a high degree of
accuracy due to a limited area of operations. Moreover, careful execution of field
work is possible. Ultimately, the results of sampling studies turn out to be
sufficiently accurate.

5. Organization of convenience
Organizational problems involved in sampling are very few. Since sample is of a
small size, vast facilities are not required. Sampling is therefore economical in
respect of resources. Study of samples involves less space and equipment.

6. Intensive and exhaustive data


In sample studies, measurements or observations are made of a limited number. So,
intensive and exhaustive data are collected.

7. Suitable in limited resources


The resources available within an organization may be limited. Studying the entire
universe is not viable. The population can be satisfactorily covered through
sampling. Where limited resources exist, use of sampling is an appropriate strategy
while conducting marketing research.

Disadvantages of sampling
The reliability of the sample depends upon the appropriateness of the sampling
method used. The purpose of sampling theory is to make sampling more efficient.
But the real difficulties lie in selection, estimation and administration of samples.

Disadvantages of sampling may be discussed under the heads:

 Chances of bias
 Difficulties in selecting truly a representative sample
 Need for subject specific knowledge
 changeability of sampling units
 impossibility of sampling.
1. Chances of bias
The serious limitation of the sampling method is that it involves biased selection
and thereby leads us to draw erroneous conclusions. Bias arises when the method
of selection of sample employed is faulty. Relative small samples properly selected
may be much more reliable than large samples poorly selected.
2. Difficulties in selecting a truly representative sample
Difficulties in selecting a truly representative sample produces reliable and
accurate results only when they are representative of the whole group. Selection of
a truly representative sample is difficult when the phenomena under study are of a
complex nature. Selecting good samples is difficult.

3. In adequate knowledge in the subject


Use of sampling method requires adequate subject specific knowledge in sampling
technique. Sampling involves statistical analysis and calculation of probable error.
When the researcher lacks specialized knowledge in sampling, he may commit
serious mistakes. Consequently, the results of the study will be misleading.
4. Changeability of units
When the units of the population are not in homogeneous, the sampling technique
will be unscientific. In sampling, though the number of cases is small, it is not
always easy to stick to the, selected cases. The units of sample may be widely
dispersed.

Some of the cases of sample may not cooperate with the researcher and some
others may be inaccessible. Because of these problems, all the cases may not be
taken up. The selected cases may have to be replaced by other cases. Changeability
of units stands in the way of results of the study.

5. Impossibility of sampling
Deriving a representative sample is di6icult, when the universe is too small or too
heterogeneous. In this case, census study is the only alternative. Moreover, in
studies requiring a very high standard of accuracy, the sampling method may be
unsuitable. There will be chances of errors even if samples are drawn most
carefully.

You might also like