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How to Sample in Surveys
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How to Sample in Surveys

Second Edition

October 2002 | 88 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

"Good coverage of target populations and samples, and statistics of sampling. Logical progression through the material with good use of examples."

--Carol J. Lancaster, Medical University of South Carolina

How much is enough in your sample? What is the difference between a research question and a survey question? By exploring the answers to these questions, this book shows readers how to specify inclusion and exclusion criteria in a sample, select the appropriate probability and non-probability sampling methods, understand the sources of error in sampling, and calculate the response rate. New to this edition is coverage of sample size and power so that the reader can better understand the logic in determining the sample size to detect a difference if one exists. Filled with checklists and guidelines, this book will enable readers to select and use the most appropriate sampling methods for their survey.

"Fink provides detailed descriptions of inclusion/exclusion criteria, the logic in estimating standard errors and sample size determination, and the sources of sampling errors."

--Gerald Albaum, book review in Journal of Marketing Research


 
How to Sample in Surveys: Learning Objectives
 
Ch 1. Target Populations and Samples
Checklist for Obtaining a Sample That Represents the Target

 
Probability Sampling

 
Simple Random Sampling

 
Stratified Random Sampling

 
Systematic Sampling

 
Cluster Sampling

 
Nonprobability Sampling

 
Convenience Sampling

 
Snowball Sampling

 
Quota Sampling

 
Focus Groups

 
Commonly Used Probability and Nonprobability Sampling Methods

 
 
Ch 2. Statistics and Samples
Sampling Error

 
Estimating the Standard Error for Simple Random Samples

 
Sample Size: How Much Is Enough?

 
Checklist of Factors to Consider When Calculating Sample Size

 
Calculating Sample Size

 
Checklist of Questions to Ask When Determining Sample Size

 
Help With Sample Size and Power

 
Sampling Units and the Unit of Analysis

 
Acceptable Response Rate

 
Guidelines for Promoting Responses and Minimizing Response Bias

 
Calculating the Response Rate

 
 
Exercises
 
Answers
 
Suggested Readings
 
Glossary
 
About the Author

"Good coverage of target populations and samples, and statistics of sampling. Logical progression through the material with good use of examples."

Carol J. Lancaster
Medical University of South Carolina

Sage College Publishing

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This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.