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Simple random sampling

 

Explanations > Social ResearchSampling > Simple random sampling

Use | Method | Example | Discussion | See also

 

Use

Use in simple experiments that require a single sample to be taken from a given population or a representative sample frame.

The people in the sample frame must all be accessible and available.

Use when the target group is sufficiently large. Do not use when the target is a relatively small subgroup that might be missed by this method.

Method

Create the sample by selecting randomly from the sample frame or population.

This can be done using a paper list of random numbers, although these days a computer is often used.

Example

A person researching education levels within a company takes the full employee list and applies a random number algorithm to this in order to select people to interview.

Discussion

The basic principle of simple random sampling is like drawing names out of a hat and is based on the mathematical property that a truly random sample (if big enough) will be representative of the target population.

The simple random sample has two key properties:

  1. Unbiased: Each unit has the same chance of being selected.
  2. Independent: The selection of each unit is not affected by the selection of other units.

Random number generation is easy these days with a computer where, for example the Excel '=RAND()' function (just type it into any cell) generates a random number between 0 and 1. To generate a number between 0 and 5, multiply this by five and take the integer to round it down (eg. '=INT(5*RAND()').

A problem with random selection is that this is not always possible. For example to do a true random sample of the population of the USA, you would start with a list of everyone there, then select a random sample from this (very big) list, then access those people selected, no matter where they lived and whether or not they wanted to partake in the study.

See also

 

 

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Site Menu

| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings |

Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories |

Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help |

More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes |

Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate |

 

 

Please help and share:

 

Quick links

Disciplines

* Argument
* Brand management
* Change Management
* Coaching
* Communication
* Counseling
* Game Design
* Human Resources
* Job-finding
* Leadership
* Marketing
* Politics
* Propaganda
* Rhetoric
* Negotiation
* Psychoanalysis
* Sales
* Sociology
* Storytelling
* Teaching
* Warfare
* Workplace design

Techniques

* Assertiveness
* Body language
* Change techniques
* Closing techniques
* Conversation
* Confidence tricks
* Conversion
* Creative techniques
* General techniques
* Happiness
* Hypnotism
* Interrogation
* Language
* Listening
* Negotiation tactics
* Objection handling
* Propaganda
* Problem-solving
* Public speaking
* Questioning
* Using repetition
* Resisting persuasion
* Self-development
* Sequential requests
* Storytelling
* Stress Management
* Tipping
* Using humor
* Willpower

Principles

+ Principles

Explanations

* Behaviors
* Beliefs
* Brain stuff
* Conditioning
* Coping Mechanisms
* Critical Theory
* Culture
* Decisions
* Emotions
* Evolution
* Gender
* Games
* Groups
* Habit
* Identity
* Learning
* Meaning
* Memory
* Motivation
* Models
* Needs
* Personality
* Power
* Preferences
* Research
* Relationships
* SIFT Model
* Social Research
* Stress
* Trust
* Values

Theories

* Alphabetic list
* Theory types

And

About
Guest Articles
Blog!
Books
Changes
Contact
Guestbook
Quotes
Students
Webmasters

 

| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links |

© Changing Works 2002-
Massive Content — Maximum Speed