Sampling Methods

Simple Random Sampling –

Every “thing” you select for your sample has the same chance of being chosen

Example: In a classroom of 40 students, you close your eyes and you randomly draw 5 names out of a hat to be in your sample.

Systematic Sampling –

There is a SYSTEM to how you select a “thing” for your sample. Often referred to as selecting every kth “thing”.

Example: In a class of 40 students, you make them line up and you select every 3rd student to be in your sample.

Cluster Sampling –

You divide your population into groups, and you select ENTIRE groups for your sample.

Example: In a class of 40 students, the students are divided into groups of 8. Then you RANDOMLY select 2 groups to be in your sample.

Stratified Sampling –

You divide your population based on some shared characteristic, then you randomly select “things” from each group.

Example: In a class of 40 students, you divide your class into Males and Females. Once divided, you randomly select students from each group.