SAMPLING DESIGN

Rajesh Timane, PhD

Syllabus

Census and Sample Survey

Implication of Sample Design
Steps in Sample Design
Sampling Procedure
Different Types of Sampling Designs
How to select a random sample
Random sample from infinite universe
Sample size calculation
Census and Sample Survey

Census: All items in any field of inquiry

constitute a ‘Universe’ or ‘Population.’ A
complete enumeration of all items in the
‘population’ is known as a census inquiry.

At times, this method is practically beyond the

reach of ordinary researchers. Perhaps,
government is the only institution which can get
the complete enumeration carried out.

Sample: When field studies are undertaken in

practical life, considerations of time and cost
almost invariably lead to a selection of
respondents i.e., selection of only a few items.

The selected respondents constitute what is

technically called a ‘sample’ and the selection
process is called ‘sampling technique.’ The
survey so conducted is known as ‘sample
survey’. A
Implications of Sample Design

A sample design is a definite plan for obtaining a sample from a given

population. It refers to the technique or the procedure the researcher would
adopt in selecting items for the study.

Sample design may as well lay down the number of items to be included in the
sample i.e., the size of the sample. Sample design is determined before data are
collected.

There are many sample designs from which a researcher can choose. Some
designs are relatively more precise and easier to apply than others. Researcher
must select/prepare a sample design which should be reliable and appropriate
for his research study
Steps in Sample Design

1 Type of universe (finite and infinite, ex starts vs boys in a college)

2 Sampling unit (Sampling unit may be a geographical one such as state, district, village,
etc., or a construction unit such as house, flat, etc., or it may be a social unit such as family,
club, school, etc., or it may be an individual.)

3 Source list (sampling frame ex- telephone directory)

4 Size of sample

5 Parameters of interest (Average of some parameter of population)

6 Budgetary constraint

7 Sampling procedure (designs or type)

Sampling Procedure

Sampling Error

1. Inappropriate sampling frame

2. Defective measuring device
3. Non-respondents
4. Indeterminacy principle
5. Natural bias in the reporting of data

Sampling errors are the random variations in the sample estimates around the
true population parameters. If we increase the sample size, the precision can be
improved.

While selecting a sampling procedure, researcher must ensure that the

procedure causes a relatively small sampling error and helps to control the
systematic bias in a better way
Sampling Procedure

Characteristics of a good sample design

(a) Sample design must result in a truly representative sample.

(b) Sample design must be such which results in a small sampling error.
(c) Sample design must be viable in the context of funds available for the
research study.
(d) Sample design must be such so that systematic bias can be controlled in a
better way.
(e) Sample should be such that the results of the sample study can be applied, in
general, for the universe with a reasonable level of confidence.
Types of Sampling Designs
Types of Probability Sampling Designs
Types of Probability Sampling Designs

Simple Random Sampling

Types of Probability Sampling Designs

Cluster Sampling
Types of Probability Sampling Designs

Systematic Random Sampling

Types of Probability Sampling Designs

Stratified Random Sampling

Types of Non-Probability Sampling Designs
Types of Non-Probability Sampling Designs

Convenience Sampling
Types of Non-Probability Sampling Designs

Quota Sampling
Types of Non-Probability Sampling Designs

Judgement Sampling
Types of Non-Probability Sampling Designs

Snow-ball Sampling
Selecting Random Sample

With regard to the question of how to take a random sample in actual practice,
we could, in simple cases like the one above, write each of the possible samples
on a slip of paper, mix these slips thoroughly in a container and then draw as a
lottery either blindfolded or by rotating a drum or by any other similar device.

Random number generation tables

Random Sample from Infinite Universe

Infinite -> Finite -> Random

Sample Size Calculations

Example

The following are the number of

departmental stores in 15 cities: 35, 17, 10,
32, 70, 28, 26, 19, 26, 66, 37, 44, 33, 29 and
28. If we want to select a sample of 10
stores, using cities as clusters and
selecting within clusters proportional to
size, how many stores from each city
should be chosen? (Use a starting point of
10).
Question Bank
Question 1. An economist is interested in estimating the average monthly household expenditure on food items by households in
Katol city. Based on the past data, it is estimated that the standard deviation of the population on the monthly expenditure on food
items is Rs.30 with an allowable error set at Rs.7.Estimate the sample size required at 95% confidence level to carry out this survey. Also
explain the suitable sample design for this study.

95% confidence = z= 1.96, e = Rs 7, σ = Rs 30, n = (Z σ/e)2 = (1.96 * 30/ 7)2 = 70.56 ~71

Question 2. Explain various probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Which sampling technique can be used to study
socio-economic conditions and work life balance among separated and divorced women in Bhandara? Justify your answer by clearly
specifying the merits and demerits of the chosen technique.

Question 3. To determine the effectiveness of an advertising campaign for a new car perfume brand, the management would like to
know what percentage of the target population in Nagpur is aware of the new brand. The advertising agency thinks that this figure is
as high as 70 per cent. The management would like a 95% confidence level and a margin of error not greater than plus or minus 2%. As
a consultant, what sample size would you recommend for this survey? Explain the changes in sample size with change in confidence
level. Also explain the suitable sample design for this study.

95% confidence = z= 1.96 e = 0.02 p = 0.7 q = 0.3 n = (Z2pq)/e2 = (1.962 * 0.7*0.3)/ (0.02)2 = 0.81/0.0004 = 2016.84 ~2017

There is direct relationship between sample size and confidence level. Sample size increases with increase in confidence level and
sample size decreases with decrease in confidence level.
Question 4. Samar wishes to start a non-vegetarian restaurant in Nagpur. He referred to a hotel industry report, according to which
Nagpur’s population comprised 15 per cent Muslims, 20 per cent Sikhs, 10 per cent Jains, and 55 per cent Hindus. It was known
generally, Muslims were non-vegetarian, whereas 95 per cent of the Sikhs were non-vegetarian. The Jain population was totally
vegetarian, whereas 20 per cent of the Hindu population was non-vegetarian. Further, the result of a report on hotel industry had
indicated that more than 2 per cent of the population of the town ate out at least once a week. The data definitely indicated a sound
and profitable business opportunity. However, Samar felt that before setting up a restaurant serving non-vegetarian food, a survey
of households should be conducted to know their preference for various cuisines. Explain the various types of sampling techniques
and what type of sampling technique would be appropriate for this case?

Question 5. A two wheeler manufacturing company wishes to study the features considered by the management students in the
Vidarbha while purchasing a vehicle. Explain the various types of sampling techniques and what type of sampling technique would
be appropriate for this case?

Question 6. It is desired to estimate the mean life time of a certain kind of vacuum cleaner. Given that the population standard
deviation is 320 days. How large a sample is needed to be able to assert with a confidence level of 95% that the mean of the sample
will differ from the population mean by less than 45 days? Also explain the suitable sample design for this study
95% confidence = z= 1.96, e = 45, σ = 320, n = (Z σ/e)2 = (1.96 * 320/ 45)2 = 194.26 ~195

Question 7. Safal, a tea manufacturing company is interested in determining the consumption rate of tea per household in Nagpur
city. You are given a population standard deviation of 8.6 kg. Determine the sample size needed to estimate the mean consumption
rate of tea of population within ± 0.5 error with a 95% confidence. Also explain the suitable sample design for this study.
95% confidence = z= 1.96, e = ± 0.5, σ = 8.6, n = (Z σ/e)2 = (1.96 * 8.6/ 0.5)2 = 1136.49 ~1136

Question 8. A consumer electronics company wants to determine the job satisfaction level of its employees. For this, they ask a
simple question, ‘Are you satisfied with your job?’ It was estimated that no more than 40 per cent of the employees would answer
yes. What should be the sample size for this company to estimate the population proportion to ensure a 95 per cent confidence in
result, and to be within 0.04 of the true population proportion? Also explain the suitable sample design for this study.
95% confidence = z= 1.96, e = 0.04, p = 0.4, q = 0.6, n = (Z2pq)/e2 = (1.962 * 0.4*0.6)/ (0.04)2 = 576.24 ~576
References

Kothari, C. R., & Garg G. (2016). Research Methodology. New Delhi:

New Age International Publishers

Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2006). Business Research Methods.

New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill.

Zikmund, W. G. (2003). Business Research Methods. New Delhi:

Cengage Learning.
Thank You !
DR. RA JESH TIMANE
+91 98609 31040