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Simple random sampling
Explanations > Social Research > Sampling > Simple random sampling Use | Method | Example | Discussion | See also
UseUse 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. MethodCreate 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. ExampleA 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. DiscussionThe 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:
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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| 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 | |
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