Module Identifier MX37510  
Module Title THEORY AND PRACTICE OF SAMPLING  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Dr John A Lane  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr John A Lane  
Pre-Requisite MX36510  
Mutually Exclusive MA27510  
Course delivery Lecture   (10 x 1 hour lectures)  
  Practical   (5 x 2 hour practical classes)  
  Seminars / Tutorials   (5 x 1 hour group discussions)  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment survey report  60%
Semester Assessment coursework  40%
Supplementary Assessment2 Hours [practical examination, during which candidates may consult their notes (50%); survey report (50%).] 

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, a student should be able to:
1. implement the theory of finite sampling;
2. calculate sample sizes necessary to achieve predefined goals;
3. draw samples of appropriate kinds from various populations;
4. compile a questionnaire to obtain quality information;
5. collect, collate, present, analyse and interpret the data from a sample survey.

Brief description

This module combines the theory of sampling with the experience of planning and conducting a sample survey.

Aims

This module will give the student an appreciation of the value of statistical theory together with the difficulties involved in the practical application of these ideas. The student will gain experience in working as part of a team, planning and organising a sample survey, producing a questionnaire, handling and analysing real data and writing a report.

Content

1. INTRODUCTION: The benefits of sampling. The need for thorough planning. Populations, sampling units, sampling frames, sampling schemes. The art of asking the right question to obtain quality information.
2. FINITE SAMPLING THEORY: Theory of simple random sampling. Finite population corrections. Stratification, Quota, Cluster, Systematic and Multi-stage methods. Comparison of sampling designs for estimating means, totals, variances, proportions. Optimal sampling when total size or total cost is fixed.
3. PLANNING A SAMPLE SURVEY: Defining the problem, setting a time-schedule, deciding upon a suitable sampling scheme, compiling a questionnaire.
4. SOME PROBLEM AREAS: Target populations. Non-response. Surveying sensitive issues. Wildlife populations, elusive populations. Post-stratification.
5. DATA ANALYSIS: Checking for errors. Analysis of contingency tables, comparing proportions, lucid presentation of results.

Reading Lists

Books
** Essential Reading
F R Joliffe (1986) Survey Design and Analysis Ellis Horwood 0853125996
Students will be expected to browse through some readily available research papers.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6