Types Of Sampling Methods Worksheet

Types of sampling methods at a glance

When we want to find out information about a large population, it can be easier, less time consuming and cheaper to take a sample than to survey the whole population. There are a variety of sampling techniques:

• Simple random sampling: every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. This could be done by assigning every member of the population a number and using a random number generator.
• Stratified sampling: this involves taking a random sample from each subgroup of the population. The number from each subset included in the sample is proportional to the size of the subset.
• Systematic random sampling: every member of the population is assigned a number. A random starting point is selected and members of the population are selected at regular intervals.
• Capture – recapture: used to estimate the size of a population, this multi-stage method involves catching and marking a number of the population. These members are then released. Later another sample is captured. The proportion that have previously been marked can be used to estimate the total size of the population. 
• Convenience sampling: a non-random method of sampling involving sampling the members of the population available at the time of sampling

Other sampling methods include:

• Cluster sampling
• Quota sampling
• Voluntary response sampling

Data collection can be carried out through questionnaires, interviews, focus groups and others. The larger the sample size, the better the approximation to the population. 

Looking forward, students can then progress to additional Statistics worksheets, for example a mean, median, mode and range worksheet or pie chart worksheet.