DATA COLLECTION Flashcards
Population
The whole set of items that are of interest
Census
Measuring every item of a population
Sample
Selection of observations taken from a portion of a population
Sampling unit
Each item that can be sampled
Explain: Simple Random Sampling
Every unit in the sampling frame has an equal chance of being selected. Use a number generator, or pull names from a hat, etc.
Pros and Cons: Simple Random Sampling
Pros: Bias free, easy and cheap. Cons: Not suitable for large populations
Explain: Systematic Sampling
Required elements are selected at regular intervals in an ordered list. Take every kth element where k=(Pop. size)/(Sample size) or N/n.
Pros and Cons: Systematic Sampling
Pros: Easy, suitable for large sample sizes. Cons: Sampling frame needed, can introduce bias.
Explain: Stratified Sampling
Sample size divided into groups/strata and then divided by the proportion needed overall (e.g 20% of 1000 units would be split into x amount of units, then 20% of the units would be observed)
Pros and Cons: Stratified Sampling
Pros: Good for large populations, gives an unbiased and fair view as proportional representation is guaranteed. Cons: dividing into groups can be difficult.
Explain: Quota Sampling
Sample size divided into groups based on characteristic, then chosen through deciding which units fit the quota the best. An interviewer selects the sampling units.
Pros and Cons: Quota Sampling
Pros: Allows a small sample to be representative of the population, can be inexpensive, allows for easy intercomparisons. Cons: When the sample size is larger, cost and time expense are added, can introduce bias, sorting into groups can cause bias and room for error.
Explain: Opportunity Sampling
Sampling units selected by interviewer at time of observance. Units all fit the criteria
Pros and Cons: Opportunity Sampling
Pros: Inexpensive, convenient, fast. Cons: Unlikely to provide a valid study, can be exposed to many forms of bias
Name the three methods of random sampling
Simple random, Stratified, Systematic