Random sampling is a sampling method in which each sample has an equal probability of being chosen as a sample. It is also known as probability sampling.
Let us check four main types of random sampling techniques :
* Simple Random Sampling technique – In this technique, a sample is chosen randomly using randomly generated numbers. A sampling frame with the list of members of a population is required, which is denoted by ‘n’. Using Excel, one can randomly generate a number for each element that is required.
* Systematic Random Sampling technique - This technique is very common and easy to use in statistics. In this technique, every k’th element is sampled. For instance, one element is taken from the sample and then the next while skipping the pre-defined amount or ‘n’.
In a sampling frame, divide the size of the frame N by the sample size (n) to get ‘k’, the index number. Then pick every k’th element to create your sample.
* Cluster Random Sampling technique - In this technique, the population is divided into clusters or groups in such a way that each cluster represents the population. After that, you can randomly select clusters to sample.
* Stratified Random Sampling technique – In this technique, the population is divided into groups that have similar characteristics. Then a random sample can be taken from each group to ensure that different segments are represented equally within a population.
