STAT 335: SAMPLE SURVEY METHODS

LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION AND BASIC CONCEPTS

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB)

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS AND ACTUARIAL SCIENCE, UG

January 19, 2023

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

STAT 335: SAMPLE
OF STATISTICS
SURVEY METHODS
AND ACTUARIAL SCIENCE,
January 19,
UG)2023 1 / 31
 Lecture Outline I

1 Learning Objective

2 Learning Outcomes

3 Basic Concepts in Sample Survey

Introduction
Sampling Terminology
Census versus Sample Survey
Principles of Sample Survey
Principal Steps in Sample Survey

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

STAT 335: SAMPLE
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 Learning Objective

To introduce the student to basic concepts in sample survey.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

STAT 335: SAMPLE
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SURVEY METHODS
AND ACTUARIAL SCIENCE,
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 Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lecture, the student should be able to:

1 Explain basic terminologies used in sample survey and give examples;

2 Differentiate between Census and Sample Survey;

3 State the advantages and disadvantages in using Census Survey as

against Sample Survey;

4 State and explain the the principles of Sample Survey;

5 State and explain the basic steps in conducting a Sample Survey.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

STAT 335: SAMPLE
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AND ACTUARIAL SCIENCE,
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 Introduction
What is a Survey

A Survey is any activity that collects information in an organized

and methodical manner about characteristics of interest from
some or all units of a population using well-defined concepts,
methods and procedures and compiles such information into a
useful summary form, to help make informed decisions.

Examples of Survey

A survey to study the opinions of students on the modular system in

UG.
A survey to study if residential status affects the performance of
students in UG.
End of semester Lecture-Course evaluation
MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT
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 Sampling Terminologies
Population
A population is the collection of all units of a specified type in a given
region at a particular point or period of time

OR

A population is any complete group (aggregate of elements under

study) with at least one characteristic in common.

Populations are not just people. Population may be made up of

persons, families, farms, animals, businesses, buildings, vehicles,
events, etc. depending on the nature of data required.

Population Size
The number of elements or members in a population is known as the size
of the population.
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 Sampling Terminologies

Element
An element is that unit about which information is collected and which
provides the basis of analysis.

An element may be an individual, a household, a factory, a

market place, a school, etc.

What an element is going to be depends on the nature of population.

Characteristic/Variable
A characteristic is the information on the elements of the population that
are of interest, and are collected in a survey.

A characteristic can be a numerical or categorical in nature.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

STAT 335: SAMPLE
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 Sampling Terminologies

Target Population
The target population, also known as survey population is the population
intended to be studied or covered in the survey.

At the outset of the sampling process, it is important to carefully

define the target population so the proper source from which the data
are to collected can be identified.

Sampled Population
The population from which the sample is drawn or is actually selected.

Examples/Task
Refer to the examples of Survey and identify the target and sample
population in each case.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

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 Sampling Terminologies
Sampling Frame
A sampling frame is a list of units/elements from which the selection of a
sample is made. Simply put, it is a list of all sampling units.

NB:The Sampling frame is NOT the actual sample.

Examples of a sapling frame could be households, Voter List,

phone numbers/Telephone Book, street addresses, maps, etc.

Sampling Units
These are the entities that are selected in the sampling process.

They are the units that constitute the sampling frame.

Each sampling unit in the frame should be distinguishable and have

a unique identification number.
MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT
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 Sampling Terminologies
Observation Unit
An observation unit, or unit of data collection, is an element or
aggregation of elements from which the information is collected.

Unit of Analysis
It is the unit or element on which the analysis is made.

Often the unit of analysis and unit of observation are the same but
this need not be the case always.

Example
A researcher may interview heads of household to collect information
about every member of the household.

Unit of Observation: Head of household

Unit of Analysis: Household or Individual member of the household.
MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT
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 Sampling Terminologies

Example
A survey of the registered voters in Ghana is to be conducted to determine
if the people like the policies of the present government or not.

Identify the following:

1 Population
2 An element
3 The Variable or Characteristic of interest.
4 Sampling Unit
5 Observational unit
6 Unit of analysis
7 Sampling Frame

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 Sampling Terminologies
Solution to Example:
A survey of the registered voters in Ghana is to be conducted to determine
if the people like the policies of the present government or not.

From the example above we have the following:

1 Population: All registered voters in Ghana.
2 An element: A registered voter in Ghana.
3 The Variable or Characteristic of interest: Voter’s opinion
perception on the present government’s policies.
4 Sampling Unit: Individual Registered voters
5 Observational unit: Individual Registered voters
6 Unit of analysis: Individual Registered voters
7 Sampling Frame: All registered voters in Ghana.

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 Sampling Terminologies

Example (Alternatively)
A survey of the registered voters in Ghana is to be conducted to determine
if the people like the policies of the present government or not.

However, if we select a sample of households and obtain information

from all voters in selected households.

Then;
1 The Sampling unit will be a household.
2 The observational unit will be the individual voters in the household.
3 The Unit of analysis will be the households.
4 Sampling Frame: A list of all households will serve as a frame.

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 Census Survey versus Sample Survey
Census Survey and Sample Survey are two approaches used in
studying a population or used in collecting survey data about a
population.

When information is collected from all units of population, the

process is known as Census Survey or Complete Enumeration.

Censuses are useful under the following situations:

1 When a deep study is to be performed;
2 When study area is limited;
3 When an adequate accuracy and reliability is desired;
4 When investigator have resources;
5 When use of sampling method is tough and prohibited.
On the other hand, when information is collected from only some
units of population, the process is known as sample survey.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

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 Census Survey versus Sample Survey
On the other hand, when information is collected from only some
units of population, and the information obtained is then used to
make inferences about the whole population, the process is known as
sample survey.
Sample Surveys are useful under the following situations:
1 If the elements of a population are homogeneous then sample units
would be of same characteristics as of the population. Hence a sample
should be a true representative of population and no need to do a
census;
2 When study area is Broad;
3 When a very high level of accuracy is not necessary;
4 When resources (money, time and employee/workers)are insufficient;
5 When the number of elements in the population is infinite then this
method is suitable i.e. counting of leaves in a tree is a tough job.
6 When Units are of Destructive Nature:
MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT
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 Advantages and Disadvantages of Census

This is left as a reading assignment for the student.

The student must find at least THREE advantages and THREE

disadvantages of conducting a census.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

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 Advantages and Disadvantages of Sample Survey

This is left as a reading assignment for the student.

The student must find at least THREE advantages and THREE

disadvantages of conducting a sample survey.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

STAT 335: SAMPLE
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 Principles of Sample Survey

Three basic principles for the design of a sample survey are:

1 Principle of Optimization

2 Principle of Validity

3 Principle of Statistical Regularity

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 Principles of Sample Survey

Principle of Optimization
The principle of optimization deals with two factors:
1 Efficiency
2 Cost
1 Efficiency
▶ This principle of optimization targets a given level of efficiency with the
minimum possible resources and minimum cost. 2mm
▶ Efficiency is measured by the inverse of sampling variance of the
estimator.
2 Cost
▶ This principle of optimization targets a given value of cost with the
maximum possible efficiency. 2mm
▶ Cost is measured by expenditure incurred in terms of money or man
powers.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

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 Principles of Sample Survey
Principle of Validity
The principle of validity means that the sample should be so selected that
the results could be interpreted objectively in terms of probability.

This principle ensures that there is some definite and preassigned

probability for each individual of the aggregate (population) to be
included in the sample.

Principle of Statistical Regularity

This principle means that a moderately large number of items chosen at
random from a large group are almost sure on the average to possess the
characteristics of the large group.

This principle has also its origin in the law of large numbers of the
theory of probability.
MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT
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 PRINCIPAL STEPS IN SAMPLE SURVEY
The main steps involved in the planning and execution of a sample survey
are:
1 Formulation of the Objectives of the Survey
2 Defining the Population
3 Sampling Frame and Sampling Units
4 Selection of Proper Sampling Design
5 Method of Collection of Data
6 Data to be Collected
7 Field Work Organization
8 Summary and Analysis of Data

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

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 PRINCIPAL STEPS IN SAMPLE SURVEY

Formulation of the Objectives of the Study

The objective of the survey must be defined in clear and concrete

terms.

The objectives of the survey determine what is to be included in the

survey and what is to be excluded.

In determining the objectives of the survey, the investigator should be

mindful of the available resources (money, manpower, and time limit)
for the survey.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

STAT 335: SAMPLE
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 PRINCIPAL STEPS IN SAMPLE SURVEY

Define the Population

The population from which sample is chosen should be defined in

clear and unambiguous terms.

The objectives of the survey determine will indicate the population to

be studied.

The geographical, demographic and other boundaries of the

population must be specified so that no ambiguity arises regarding
the coverage of the survey.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

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 PRINCIPAL STEPS IN SAMPLE SURVEY
Determination of Sampling Units and Sampling Frame

The sampling unit is the ultimate unit to be sampled for the purpose
of the survey.

The sampling unit could be individual, households, firms, etc.,

depending on the objective of the survey.

The sampling units must cover the entire population and they must
be distinct,unambiguous and non-overlapping in the sense that every
element of the population belongs to one and only one sampling unit.

Once the sampling units are defined, one must see whether a sampling
frame, which is a list of all the units in the population, is available.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

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 PRINCIPAL STEPS IN SAMPLE SURVEY

Selection of Proper Sampling Design/Method

There is a group of sampling designs (to be discussed later) and

selection of the proper one is an important task.

In choosing the sampling design, available resources, the

time-limit, and the degree of accuracy desired should be taken
into account.

Thus, the cost and precision should also be considered before the
final selection of sampling design.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

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 PRINCIPAL STEPS IN SAMPLE SURVEY

Method of Collection of Data

The method of data collection is determined at this stage.

The method of data collection could be interviews, questionnaires,

etc., or a combination of any of these approaches.

The method of data collection should be chosen to achieve a high

participation rate and collect data that are as complete and
accurate as possible while minimizing the burden to the respondent
and cost.

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 PRINCIPAL STEPS IN SAMPLE SURVEY
Data to be Collected

Collection of data must be done in conformity with the objectives of

the survey and the nature of the data.

The practicability of obtaining information on the data required

should be considered and items that will be difficult to measure
should be replaced with related items that can be measured.

After list of the data required is decided upon, one must prepare a
questionnaire or a schedule of enquiry.

The questions should be clear, brief, collaborative, non-offending and

unambiguous and to the point so that not much scope of speculation
is left on the part of the respondent or interviewer.
MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT
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 PRINCIPAL STEPS IN SAMPLE SURVEY

Field Work Organization

The field work has several stages and so it is to be well organized.

The different stages include training the field workers, supervising the
field workers, etc.

It is absolutely essential that the personnel should be thoroughly

trained in locating the sample units, the methods of collection of
required data before starting the field word.

The success of a survey to a great extent depends upon the reliable

field work.

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

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 PRINCIPAL STEPS IN SAMPLE SURVEY
Summary and Analysis of Data

This is the last step where inference is to be made on the basis of data
collected. The steps involved at this stage include the following:

The filled in questionnaires should be carefully scrutinized to find out

whether the data furnished are plausible and consistent;

Depending upon the quantity of data, a hand-tabulation or machine

tabulation is to be drawn;

After the data has been properly scrutinized, edited and tabulated, a
very careful statistical analysis is to be made; and

Finally a report incorporating detailed statement of the different

stages of the survey should be prepared.
MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT
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 FURTHER READING REFERENCES

Cochran, W.G. (1977). Sampling Techniques (3rd ed.). New York,

NY: John Wiley. (Chapter 1 – Section 1.1 – 1.3).

Statistics Canada (2003). Survey Methods and Practices. (Chapter 1;

Chapter 2;Chapter 3 – Section 3.0 -3.3).

Mathers, N., Fox, N., and Hunn, A. (2007). Surveys and

Questionnaires. The NIHR RDS for the East Midlands/ Yorkshire the
Humber. (Chapter 1 Chapter. 2).

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

STAT 335: SAMPLE
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 THANK YOU

MR. BENEDICT MBEAH-BAIDEN (BMB) (DEPARTMENT

STAT 335: SAMPLE
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SURVEY METHODS
AND ACTUARIAL SCIENCE,
January 19,
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