STATISTICS 11: Sampling & Sampling Distribution

DEF OF TERMS

Parameter

This is a numerical value that describes a characteristic of a population.

Statistic

This is a numerical value that describes a characteristic of a sample.

Sampling error

It is the error resulting from using a sample to estimate a population characteristics. It is the difference between the sample measure and the corresponding population measure due to the fact that the sample is not a perfect representation of the population.

Sample

It is a part/portion/fraction/segment of the population being studied.

Population

It is the whole universe or consists of all elements or totality of things considered in a study.

Survey

It is a method of systematically gathering of information.

Sample survey

It is a method of systematically gathering of information on a segment/part/fraction/portion of a population for the purpose of infering quantitative descriptors of the attributes of the population.

Random Sampling

It is a method of choosing an equally distributed subset/portion from a larger population to be used as basis in describing or making conclusions about the population.

Sampling

It is the process of selecting a section of the population.

Random

It is the outcome is obtained only by chance.

Probability Sampling

This involves random selection, allowing you to make strong statistical inferences about whole group.

Non-Probability Sampling

This involves random selection based on convenience or other criteria, allowing you to easily collect data.

Histogram

It is a graphical representation of the distribution of numerical data, using a series of adjacent columns (or "bins") to show the frequency of values within specified ranges.

Simple Random

It is the basic sampling technique where every individual in the population has an equal and independent chance of being selected. This is usually done through methods such as lottery draws, random number generators, or random tables.

Systematic Random

It is a sampling technique in which members of the population are listed and samples are selected in intervals called sample intervals.

Stratified Random

It refers to a part of the sampling technique where each sample point has an equal chance of being selected within its group or stratum.

Cluster Random

It is a sampling technique that is sometimes called area sampling; it applies on a geographical basis.

Convenience

It is a sampling technique in which the researcher selects participants who are easiest to reach or readily available.

Purposive

It is a sampling technique where the researcher deliberately chooses participants who have specific characteristics or knowledge relevant to the study.

Quota

It is a sampling technique in which researchers divide a population into subgroups and then select a predetermined number of participants from each subgroup to meet a specific "quota."

Snowball

It is a sampling technique in which existing participants refer or recruit other participants who meet the study criteria, forming a “snowball” effect.