Advantages and Disadvantages of Sampling Methods

Simple Random Sample (SRS)

Advantages: Unbiased, Easy
Disadvantages: Large variance, May not be representative of the entire population, Sampling frame (List of the population) required

Stratified Random Sample

Advantages: More precise unbiased estimator than SRS, Less variability, Cost reduced (If the data already exists)
Disadvantages: Difficult to do if you have to separate into groups yourself, Formulas more complicated, Sampling frame required

Systematic Random Sample

Advantages: Unbiased, Ensured even distribution, More efficient and cheaper
Disadvantages: Large variance, Formulas complicated

Cluster Sample

Advantages: Unbiased, Cheaper, Sampling frame not required
Disadvantages: Cluster may not be representative, Formulas complicated