DHS: Chapter 6 Vocab

Cluster Sampling

Convenience Sampling: A sampling technique where participants are selected based on ease of access or convenience, not random selection.

A sampling method where the population is divided into groups (clusters), and a random sample of clusters is selected, then all members or a random sample from those clusters are surveyed.

Confidence Interval

A range of values that estimates the true value of a population parameter, with a certain level of confidence.

Coverage Error

A type of sampling error that occurs when certain groups are left out or underrepresented in the sample.

Disproportionate Stratified Sampling

A sampling method where different strata (subgroups) are sampled in unequal proportions to ensure all groups are represented appropriately.

Multistage Cluster Sampling

A sampling method where clusters are selected in stages, often with random sampling used at each stage.

Nonprobability Sampling

A type of sampling where not all members of the population have a chance of being selected.

Nonresponse Error (nonresponse bias)

Bias is introduced when people who are selected for the sample do not respond or participate.

Normal Curve (normal distribution)

A symmetrical bell-shaped curve that represents the distribution of many types of data, where most values cluster around the mean.

Population

The entire group of individuals or items that is the focus of a study or survey.

Probability

The likelihood or chance of an event happening.

Probability Distribution

A mathematical function that describes the likelihood of different outcomes in a random experiment.

Probability Proportionate to Size Sampling

A sampling method where larger groups (or clusters) have a higher chance of being selected than smaller groups, in proportion to their size.

Probability Sampling

A sampling technique where each member of the population has a known chance of being selected.

Proportionate Stratified Sampling

A method where the sample is divided into subgroups (strata), and each subgroup is sampled in proportion to its size in the population.

Purposive Sampling (judgmental sampling

A nonprobability sampling method where the researcher selects individuals based on specific characteristics or purpose.

Random Selection

A process where each member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen for the sample.

Sample

A subset of individuals or items selected from the larger population for a study.

Sampling Distribution

The probability distribution of a sample statistic (like the sample mean) obtained from repeated samples.

Sampling Error

The difference between the sample estimate and the true population value due to the randomness of sampling.

Sampling Frame

A list or other representation of all the members of the population from which a sample is drawn.

Sampling With Replacement

A method where selected individuals are returned to the population, allowing them to be selected again.

Sampling Without Replacement

A method where selected individuals are not returned to the population, meaning they cannot be chosen again.

Saturation

The point at which no new information is being gained from additional sampling, often used in qualitative research.

Simple Random Sample

A sampling method where each individual has an equal chance of being selected, and selections are made randomly.

Snowball Sampling

A nonprobability sampling method where initial participants refer others to participate, creating a chain of referrals.

Standard Error

The standard deviation of a sampling distribution, which measures the variability of a sample statistic.

Stratified Random Sample

A sampling method where the population is divided into strata and a random sample is taken from each stratum.

Target Population

The specific group of individuals or items that a study is aimed at studying or drawing conclusions about.

Theoretical Sampling

A sampling method is used in qualitative research, where participants are selected based on theoretical considerations or research needs, rather than random selection.

Weighting

Adjusting the sample to correct for unequal probabilities of selection or to ensure the sample better represents the population.