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Learn about the features of effective sample surveys, how to design a sample that reflects the population, and various sample methods for different demographics. Understand the importance of size, demographics, and timing in surveying. Examples include cluster, systematic, and stratified sampling.
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Sample Surveys What makes an effective sample survey?
Features of an effective Sample Survey • “A good sample is a miniature version of the population – just like it, only smaller.” Fink 1995. • Sampling is necessary when the entire “population” you are interested is too big to survey • “population” could mean Clydebank, Scotland, Ethnic groups, crime victims etc etc • Generalisations are made about the “population” so sample needs to ‘reflect’ that population
Features of an effective Sample Survey • For the general population as a whole, the sample should reflect main characteristics of the census • The sample method may vary depending on your “population” – e.g. prisoners: questionnaire; young people: internet survey etc
When making up sample, need to consider…. • size of sample compared with ‘population • age group • gender • type of housing • occupation • social class • household income • highest educational qualification obtained • time and place that survey is carried out.
Examples • Cluster sampling • Systematic sampling • Stratified sampling