Sampling Theory

Dr. T. T. Kachwala

Sampling Theory
There are two ways in which reliable data or information
may be obtained:
i.

Complete Enumeration Survey (Census Method)

ii.

Sampling Method

We use Complete Enumeration Survey to examine every

person or item in the population we wish to describe. This

method is accurate but costly & time consuming.
2

Sampling Theory
We use sampling methods, when it is not possible to count or measure every

item in the population. Sampling is simply the process of learning about the
population on the basis of the sample drawn from it.

Thus, in the sampling technique instead of every unit of the population, only a

part of the population is studied and the conclusions are drawn on that basis
for the entire population.
A sample is not studied for its own sake. The basic objective of its study is to

draw inference about the population. In other words, sampling is only a tool
which helps to know the characteristics of the population.
3

Characteristics of Population & Sample

Mathematically, we can describe samples and populations by using measures
such as mean and standard deviation. When these terms describe the
characteristics of a sample, they are called statistics. When they describe the
characteristics of a population, they are called parameters.
A statistic is a characteristic of a sample; a parameter is a characteristic of a
population. In both the cases the objective is the same i.e. to predict the value of
the population parameter ( or ).
We use the following characteristic symbol to differentiate population and
sample:
Parameters (Population)
Statistics (Sample)
Population size = N
Sample size = n
Population mean =
Sample mean = X bar
Population S.D =
Sample S.D = s
Population proportion of success = p
Sample proportion of success = p bar
4

Principles of Sampling
There are two important principles on which the theory of sampling is based:
i. Principle of Statistical Regularity
ii. Principle of Inertia of Large Numbers
Principle of Statistical Regularity: states that if the sample drawn is a

random sample, then the characteristics of the sample will be very close
to the characteristics of the population.
Random Sample is a sample such that each an every item of the population
has an equal and independent chance of being selected in the sample.

Principle of Inertia of Large Numbers: states that every thing else

remaining the same, larger the sample sizes, more accurate are the
estimates of the Population Parameters.
5

Selection of Random Sampling

To select a random sample one may use:
Lottery method
Random Number Tables
Excel Functions
Apart from simple random sampling, there are other
attempts of sampling to approximate simple random
sampling. These are systematic sampling, stratified
sampling and cluster sampling.
6

Methods of Sampling
Systematic Sampling: In this method, elements are selected from

the population at a uniform interval that is measured in time, order

or space for example we want to interview every tenth student on
college campus; we choose a random starting point in the first 10
names and then pick every 10th name thereafter {For example; Roll
Nos. 5, 15, 25, 35, 45 and up to 95}.
Stratified Sampling: We divide the population into relatively

homogenous strata. We select at random from each stratum a

specified number of elements corresponding to the proportion of
that stratum in the population as a whole. {example strata based on
academic background Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering,
Other Disciplines}.
7

Methods of Sampling
Cluster Sampling: We divide the population into clusters and then

select a random sample of these clusters. After selecting a certain

cluster, each element would be examined. {example cluster based on
mixed discipline of academics i.e. Arts, Science, Commerce,
Engineering together in one cluster}
Each of there methods have been developed for their precision,
economy or physical ease. They are at best an approximation of
simple random sampling. However simple random sampling
procedure is assumed in all our discussions of statistical inferences.

Thanks and Good Luck

Have a nice Day
Dr. T. T. Kachwala