{"id":55181,"date":"2018-03-13T06:01:36","date_gmt":"2018-03-13T13:01:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.questionpro.com\/blog\/?p=55181"},"modified":"2024-12-30T05:54:54","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T12:54:54","slug":"systematic-sampling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.questionpro.com\/blog\/systematic-sampling\/","title":{"rendered":"Systematic Sampling: Definition, Examples, and Types"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Systematic sampling is a statistical method used to select a sample from a larger population systematically and randomly. It is a widespread technique for researchers and analysts who want to gather data from a large population without surveying every individual. This method is beneficial when the population is large, diverse, or hard to reach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will delve into the details of systematic sampling, including its definition and advantages. We will also provide examples of how it can be used in various research and data analysis contexts and tips on implementing it effectively. Whether you are a researcher, analyst, or simply interested in understanding this sampling method, this article will give you an understanding of what it is and how to use it for better decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is systematic sampling?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Systematic sampling is a statistical method that researchers use to zero down on the desired population they want to research. Researchers calculate the sampling interval by dividing the entire population size by the desired sample size determination<\/a>. It is an extended implementation of probability sampling in which each group member is selected regularly to form a sample.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Systematic sampling definition<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Systematic sampling is a probability sampling method where the researcher chooses elements from a target population by selecting a random starting point and selecting sample members after a fixed \u2018sampling interval.\u2019 <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, in school, while selecting the captain of a sports team, most of our coaches asked us to call out numbers such as 1-5 (1-n) and the students with a random number decided by the coach. For instance, three would be called out as team captains. It is a non-stressful selection process for both the coach and the players. There\u2019s an equal opportunity for every member of a population to be selected using this sampling bias<\/a> technique.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LEARN ABOUT:<\/strong> Survey Sampling<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the steps to form a sample using the systematic sampling technique?<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are the steps to form a systematic sample:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step one:<\/b> Develop a defined structural audience to start working on the sampling aspect.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step two: <\/b>As a researcher, figure out the ideal size of the sample, i.e., how many people from the entire population to choose to be a part of the sample.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step three:<\/b> Once you decide the sample size, assign a number to every member of the sample.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step four:<\/b> Define the interval of this sample. This will be the standard distance between the elements.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the sample interval should be 10, which is the result of the division of 5000 (N= size of the population) and 500 (n=size of the sample).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Systematic Sampling Formula for interval (i) = N\/n = 5000\/500 = 10 <\/b><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Step five:<\/b> Select the members who fit the criteria which in this case will be 1 in 10 individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step six:<\/b> Randomly choose the starting member (r) of the sample and add the interval to the random number to keep adding members in the sample. r, r+i, r+2i, etc. will be the elements of the sample.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How systematic sampling works<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you are sampling, ensure you represent the population fairly. Systematic sampling is a symmetrical process where the researcher chooses the samples after a specifically defined interval. Sampling like this leaves the researcher no room for bias regarding choosing the sample. To understand how <\/span>it exactly works, take the example of the gym class where the instructor asks the students to line up and asks every third person to step out of the line. Here, the instructor has no influence over choosing the samples and can accurately represent the class.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Systematic sampling example<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if a local NGO is seeking to form a systematic sample of 500 volunteers from a population of 5000, they can select every 10th person in the population to build a sample systematically.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Systematic Sampling<\/b> Types<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are the types of systematic sampling: <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Systematic random sampling<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Linear systematic sampling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Circular systematic sampling<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Let’s take a closer look at these sampling techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Systematic random sampling:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Systematic random sampling is a method to select samples at a particular preset interval. As a researcher, select a random starting point between 1 and the sampling interval. Below are the example steps to set up a systematic random sample:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. First, calculate and fix the sampling interval. (The number of elements in the population divided by the number of elements needed for the sample.)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Choose a random starting point between 1 and the sampling interval.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Lastly, repeat the sampling interval to choose subsequent elements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Linear systematic sampling: <\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      Linear systematic sampling is a method where samples aren\u2019t repeated at the end and \u2018n\u2019 units are selected to be a part of a sample having \u2018N\u2019 population units. Rather than selecting these \u2018n\u2019 units of a sample randomly, a researcher can apply a skip logic to select these. It follows a linear path and then stops at the end of a particular population.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      This sampling or skip interval (k) = N (total population units)\/n (sample size)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \""Linear\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      How is a Linear systematic sample selected? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n