
Stratified sampling
In statistics, stratified sampling is a method of sampling from a population. In statistical surveys, when subpopulations within an overall population vary, it is advantageous to sample each subpopulation (stratum) independently. Stratification is the process of dividing members …
What is the difference between stratified and random sampling?
What is the difference between stratified and random sampling? Stratified random sampling is different from simple random sampling, which involves the random selection of data from the entire population so that each possible sample is equally likely to occur. In contrast, stratified random sampling divides the population into smaller groups, or ...
What is the first step in conducting stratified sampling?
Stratified Sampling | A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples
- Define your population and subgroups. Like other methods of probability sampling, you should begin by clearly defining the population from which your sample will be taken.
- Separate the population into strata. Next, collect a list of every member of the population, and assign each member to a stratum. ...
- Decide on the sample size for each stratum. ...
Why and how to use stratified sampling?
- Stratification may produce a smaller error of estimation than would be produced by a simple random sample of the same size. ...
- The cost per observation in the survey may be reduced by stratification of the population elements into convenient groupings.
- Estimates of population parameters may be desired for subgroups of the population. ...
What is the difference between cluster sampling and stratified sampling?
• In cluster sampling, a cluster is selected at random, whereas in stratified sampling members are selected at random. • In stratified sampling, each group used (strata) include homogenous members while, in cluster sampling, a cluster is heterogeneous. • Stratified sampling is slower while cluster sampling is relatively faster.

Why is it stratified sampling?
Stratified random sampling is one common method that is used by researchers because it enables them to obtain a sample population that best represents the entire population being studied, making sure that each subgroup of interest is represented. All the same, this method of research is not without its disadvantages.
What does stratified mean in research?
Stratified random sampling (also known as proportional random sampling and quota random sampling) is a probability sampling technique in which the total population is divided into homogenous groups (strata) to complete the sampling process.
How do you do a stratified sample?
To create a stratified random sample, there are seven steps: (a) defining the population; (b) choosing the relevant stratification; (c) listing the population; (d) listing the population according to the chosen stratification; (e) choosing your sample size; (f) calculating a proportionate stratification; and (g) using ...
What is another word for stratified?
In this page you can discover 11 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for stratified, like: layered, stratiform, flaky, bedded, class-conscious, graded, unstratified, ranked, laminated, squamous and scaly.
What is a stratified in statistics?
In statistical surveys, when subpopulations within an overall population vary, it could be advantageous to sample each subpopulation (stratum) independently. Stratification is the process of dividing members of the population into homogeneous subgroups before sampling.
What is the purpose of stratification?
Stratification (or blocking) of the study population is often performed prior to sampling in order to increase the precision of the estimate of the quantity of interest.
What is probability sampling?
Probability sampling means that every member of the target population has a known chance of being included in the sample. Probability sampling met...
What is stratified sampling?
In stratified sampling , researchers divide subjects into subgroups called strata based on characteristics that they share (e.g., race, gender, ed...
When should I use stratified sampling?
You should use stratified sampling when your sample can be divided into mutually exclusive and exhaustive subgroups that you believe will take on...
Can I stratify by multiple characteristics at once?
Yes, you can create a stratified sample using multiple characteristics, but you must ensure that every participant in your study belongs to one a...
What is Stratified Sampling?
Stratified sampling is a selection method where the researcher splits the population of interest into homogeneous subgroups or strata before choosing the research sample. This method often comes to play when you're dealing with a large population, and it's impossible to collect data from every member.
Why is stratified sampling important?
Stratified sampling helps you to save cost and time because you'd be working with a small and precise sample.
What is cluster sampling?
Cluster sampling involves choosing the research sample from naturally occurring groups known as clusters. In stratified sampling, the researcher selects the sample population from non-overlapping, homogeneous strata.
What is the difference between stratified and cluster sampling?
The major difference between stratified sampling and cluster sampling is how subsets are drawn from the research population. In cluster sampling, the researcher depends on naturally-occurring divisors like geographical location, school districts, and the like.
What is a disproportionate stratified sampling?
Disproportionate stratified sampling is a stratified sampling method where the sample population is not proportional to the distribution within the population of interest. The implication is that the members of different subgroups do not have an equal opportunity to be a part of the research sample.
What is the purpose of sampling fraction?
Typically, the researcher derives a sampling fraction and uses this fraction to determine how the variables are selected for the sample. This sampling fraction is always the same across all strata, regardless of their sizes. With disproportionate stratified sampling, every unit in a stratum stands the same chance of getting selected for the systematic investigation.
What are the advantages of disproportionate sampling?
A key advantage of disproportionate sampling is it allows you to collect responses from minority subsets whose sample size would otherwise be too low to allow you to draw any statistical conclusions.
Which is more robust, simple random sampling or stratified random sampling?
Overall, simple random sampling is more robust than stratified random sampling, especially when a population has too many differences to be categorized.
Why is sampling preferred in heterogeneous populations?
The sampling technique is preferred in heterogeneous populations because it minimizes selection bias and ensures that the entire population group is represented. It is not suitable for population groups with few characteristics that can be used to divide ...
What is the best way to select a small sample?
One of the ways researchers use to select a small sample is called stratified random sampling. Estimates generated within strata are more precise than those from random sampling because dividing the population into homogenous groups often reduces sampling error and increases precision. When seeking a potential stratum, ...
What is sample selection bias?
Sample Selection Bias Sample selection bias is the bias that results from the failure to ensure the proper randomization of a population sample. The flaws of the sample selection
What is a simple random sample?
Simple Random Sample A simple random sample is selecting a subgroup of a population where the prospect of getting selected is equal for all the members of the population.
What is statistical significance?
Statistical Significance Statistical significance is the claim that the results or observations from an experiment are due to an underlying cause, rather than chance.
Why is a population being studied in a survey organized into groups with the same features?
A population being studied in a survey may be too large to be analyzed individually; hence, it is organized into groups with the same features to save costs and time. The technique offers wide usage, such as estimating the income for varying populations, polling of elections, and life expectancy.
What Is Stratified Random Sampling?
Stratified random sampling is a method of sampling that involves the division of a population into smaller sub-groups known as strata. In stratified random sampling, or stratification, the strata are formed based on members' shared attributes or characteristics such as income or educational attainment.
What is stratification in statistics?
Stratification gives a smaller error in estimation and greater precision than the simple random sampling method. The greater the differences between the strata, the greater the gain in precision.
What is a disproportional stratified sample?
In a disproportional stratified sample, the size of each stratum is not proportional to its size in the population. The researcher may decide to sample 1/2 of the graduates within the 34-37 age group and 1/3 of the graduates within the 29-33 age group.
How to calculate strata sample size for MBA?
The strata sample size for MBA graduates in the age range of 24 to 28 years old is calculated as (50,000/180,000) x 90,000 = 25,000. The same method is used for the other age range groups. Now that the strata sample size is known, the researcher can perform simple random sampling in each stratum to select his survey participants. In other words, 25,000 graduates from the 24-28 age group will be selected randomly from the entire population, 16,667 graduates from the 29-33 age range will be selected from the population randomly, and so on.
How many strata are created from random sampling?
Thus, five strata are created from the stratified random sampling process. The team then needs to confirm that the stratum of the population is in proportion to the stratum in the sample; however, they find the proportions are not equal.
What is a simple random sample?
Simple random samples and stratified random samples are both statistical measurement tools. A simple random sample is used to represent the entire data population. A stratified random sample divides the population into smaller groups, or strata, based on shared characteristics.
How many customers can a candy company sample?
For instance, a candy company may want to study the buying habits of its customers in order to determine the future of its product line. If there are 10,000 customers, it may use choose 100 of those customers as a random sample. It can then apply what it finds from those 100 customers to the rest of its base. Unlike stratification, it will sample 100 members purely at random without any regard for their individual characteristics.
When to use stratified sampling?
Description: Stratified sampling is a common sampling technique used by researchers when trying to draw conclusions from different sub-groups or strata. The strata or sub-groups should be different and the data should not overlap. While using stratified sampling, the researcher should use simple probability sampling. The population is divided into various subgroups such as age, gender, nationality, job profile, educational level etc. Stratified sampling is used when the researcher wants to understand the existing relationship between two groups.
Can a researcher use fractions for different subgroups?
The researcher could use different fractions for various subgroups depending on the type of research or conclusion he wants to derive from the population . The only disadvantage to that is the fact that if the researcher lays too much emphasis on one subgroup, the result could be skewed. PREV DEFINITION.
How Stratified Sampling Works?
Thus, stratified random sampling emphasizes distributing the assorted data into multiple groups. Each group has variables of similar attributes. A sample or data set is selected from each of these groups for analysis.
What is stratified random sampling?
The stratified random sampling is a method where different subgroups are formed, and each of these has items with the same attributes. After this segregation, samples are selected from each of these strata to mirror the actual population mix.
What is the difference between stratified and cluster sampling?
In the former, the groups are called strata, while in the latter, these are termed clusters. Also, the sample in stratified sampling is the elements in the strata, whereas, in cluster sampling, a cluster or group is considered as a sample. In the former, the researcher forms heterogeneous strata, each with homogenous items. However, in the latter, the researcher makes homogenous clusters with heterogeneous items.
Why is stratified random sampling more accurate?
Thus, the analysis turns out to be more accurate when the variables are selected from the subgroup of interest.
What is it called when samples are picked up in no prescribed ratio or rate?
When samples are picked up in no prescribed ratio or rate, it is called disproportionate stratified random sampling.
What is cluster sampling?
On the contrary, cluster sampling is also the process of dividing the entire population into subgroups. However, heterogeneous groups are formed where each cluster is a mix of items with different attributes. In this method, random cluster (s) are chosen and their elements form the final sample. Here, the cluster is taken as a sample as it replicates the total heterogeneous population.
How much of a sample is selected from each category?
In the above illustration, we observe that 20% of sample items are selected from each category. Also, the cumulative number of samples taken from all the subgroups combine to form 20% of the total sample size.
How does stratified sampling work?
The stratified sampling process starts with researchers dividing a diverse population into relatively homogeneous groups called strata, the plural of stratum. Then, they draw a random sample from each group (stratum) and combine them to form their complete sample.
Why do we use stratified sampling?
Researchers use stratified sampling to ensure specific subgroups are present in their sample. It also helps them obtain precise estimates of each group’s characteristics. Many surveys use this method to understand differences between subpopulations better. Stratified sampling is also known as stratified random sampling.
Why do we need a random sample?
While we want a random sample for unbiased estimates overall, we also want to obtain precise estimates for each income level in our population. Using simple random sampling, income levels with a small number of students and random chance could conspire to provide small sample sizes for some income levels. These smaller sample sizes produce relatively imprecise estimates for them.
What is proportionate stratified sampling?
In proportionate stratified sampling, the sample size of each stratum is proportional to its share in the population. For example, if the rural subgroup comprises 40 percent of the population you’re studying, your sampling process will ensure it makes up 40% of the sample.
How to stratify a population?
Stratified sampling involves multiple steps. First, break down the population into strata. From each stratum, use simple random sampling to draw a sample. This process ensures that you obtain observations for all strata.
What is strata in statistics?
Strata are subpopulations whose members are relatively similar to each other compared to the broader population. Researchers can create strata based on income, gender, and race, among many other possibilities. For example, if your research question requires you to compare outcomes between income levels, you might base the strata on income. All members of the population should be in only one stratum.
How many students are selected for stratified sampling?
To avoid this problem, we’ll use stratified sampling. Our sampling plan might dictate that we select 100 students from each income level using simple random sampling. Of course, this plan presupposes that we know the household income level for each student, which might be problematic.
What is stratified sample?
A stratified sample can guard against an "unrepresentative" sample – for instance ending up with an all-Caucasian sample from a multi-racial population.
Why is stratified sampling important?
Additionally, it makes sense to turn to stratified sampling as an efficient means to gain unique insight regarding a specific group or groups within a larger population. This will provide greater understanding of a group’s preferences and behaviors as well potentially laying the foundation for communicating with them more effectively.
What is stratified random sampling?
Stratified random sampling is a form of probability sampling that provides a methodology for dividing a population into smaller subgroups as a means of ensuring greater accuracy of your high-level survey results.
What is proportionate sampling?
In proportionate sampling, the sample size of each stratum is equal to the subgroup’s proportion in the population as a whole.
What is the difference between a simple random sample and a stratified random sample?
Both are statistical measurement tools, but a simple random sample is used to represent the entire data population compared to stratified random sample, which divides the population into smaller groups based on shared characteristics.
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What could analysis of the resulting data from respondents sorted by subgroups reveal?
Analysis of the resulting data from respondents sorted by subgroups could reveal relevant eating habits and food preferences from each identified age group. That, in turn, could help inform future menu additions aimed at getting a younger crowd through your doors or drive-thru.
Why do researchers use stratified random sampling?
Researchers and statisticians use stratified random sampling to analyze relationships between two or more strata. As the stratified random sampling involves multiple layers or strata, it’s crucial to calculate the strata before calculating the sample value.
What are the advantages of stratified random sampling?
Advantages of Stratified Random Sampling: 1 Better accuracy in results in comparison to other probability sampling methods such as cluster sampling, simple random sampling, and systematic sampling or non-probability methods such as convenience sampling. This accuracy will be dependent on the distinction of various strata, i.e., results will be highly accurate if all the strata are extremely different. 2 Convenient to train a team to stratify a sample due to the exactness of the nature of this sampling technique. 3 Due to statistical accuracy of this method, smaller sample sizes can also retrieve highly useful results for a researcher. 4 This sampling technique covers maximum population as the researchers have complete charge over the strata division.
Why is the accuracy of statistical results higher than simple random sampling?
The accuracy of statistical results is higher than simple random sampling since the elements of the sample and chosen from relevant strata. The diversification within the strata will be much lesser than the diversification which exists in the target population. Due to the accuracy involved, it is highly probable that the required sample sizewill be much lesser and that will help researchers in saving time and efforts.
How many stratification variables should be used in a sample?
Ideally, no more than 4-6 stratification variables and no more than 6 strata should be used in a sample because an increase in stratification variables will increase the chances of some variables canceling out the impact of other variables.
What is the basis for making changes after evaluating the sampling frame?
Make changes after evaluating the sampling frame on the basis of lack of coverage, over-coverage, or grouping.
Why are smaller sample sizes useful?
Due to statistical accuracy of this method, smaller sample sizes can also retrieve highly useful results for a researcher.
Is the sampling fraction uniform across all strata?
Irrespective of the sample size of the population, the sampling fraction will remain uniform across all the strata.
