GGR271H1 Chapter 11: Chapter 11 Sampling.docx
Document Summary
A representative sample is one which is generalizable to the entire population from which the sample was drawn. This means that nothing biases the data. y sample selection must use a random method y sample frames cannot exclude cases, as it would not be representative of the whole population y non-response may skew the data. Element/unit a single case in the population. In social sciences, usually a person but may be virtually anything. Population all cases pertinent to desired knowledge. Sampling frame list of all possible elements. Sample a subset of the population which may involve probability or non-probability sampling. Representative sample - a probability sample which reflects the traits of the wider population. Probability sample a random process where each unit in the population has a known chance of selection, keeps sampling error to a minimum. Non-probability sample a sample selected using a non-random method. Some units are more likely to be chosen than others.
