ACCA MA Syllabus B. Data Analysis And Statistical Techniques - Sampling Technique - Notes ^{1 / 2}

The purpose of sampling is to gain as much information as possible about the population by observing only a small proportion of that population

i.e. by observing a sample. The sample must be of a certain size.

The term population is used to mean all the items under consideration in a particular enquiry.

A sample is a group of items drawn from that population.

For example, in order to ascertain which television programmes are most popular, a sample of the total viewing public is interviewed and, based on their replies, the programmes can be listed in order of popularity with all viewers.

Sampling Techniques

A probability sampling method is a sampling method in which there is a known chance of each member of the population appearing in the sample.

Probability sampling methods are:

1. Random

2. Systematic

3. Stratified random

4. Multi-stage

5. Cluster

Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling method, i.e. the chance of each member of the population appearing in the sample is not known.