Experience 1 - Sampling Methods

Introduction to Statistics: Sampling Methods

Why

We live in a society where important decisions are made by popular opinion and reliable estimates are worth a lot of money. It is often not practical to collect data for an entire population, for example the US census costs $13 billion to complete. In most situations sampling methods are used and they comprise the first step in our inferential statistics procedure.

Learning Objectives

• Learn the basic terminology used in the study of Statistics.
• Understand the common sampling methods (cluster, convenience, random, stratified, and systematic)

Performance Criteria

• The learner will use the correct vocabulary when communicating with the instructor or other students about Statistics.
• The learner will identify and justify appropriate sampling methods for hypothetical studies.
• The learner will collect samples using the five common methods and provide explanations for how they were determined.

Note: The simulations require updated JAVA, see Get your computer ready in the Do This First folder.

Run the simulation to see the differences between simple random and stratified sampling

A video of the instructor accessing the simulation

Note: Always begin by familiarizing yourself with the terminology for the experience.

Each Experience will feature videos by the author that serve as a lecture for the content.

Chapter 1  (This is a video by the author covering chapter 1. Just watch the parts relating to sections 1.1-1.2)

Click on "Textbook" to view the reading assignment for this experience or read sections 1.1-1.2 from your print or digital copy.

Note: Various versions of the text can be found through the links in the Course Information folder.

Note: Methodologies are procedures for solving problems. When they appear, follow them for relevant assignments.

Plan

1. Review - Read the above components and post any questions in the forum below. 
2. Practice - Complete the practice exercises that follow.
3. Think - Answer the Critical Thinking questions in the "Critical Thinking" forum. 
4. Apply - Complete the Application Problems and upload your completed file
5. Assess - Complete the Practice Self-Assessment for this Experience.

If you have any questions about the content (readings, problems, etc.) then post in the "Questions about Experience 1" forum. 

Models are high quality work that should be used as examples when completing the applications. These are videos made by the instructor showing how to use technology to complete the processes in the experience. Make sure to report any errors.

Simple Random Sampling (Excel)

Simple Random Sampling (TI-84)

Systematic Sampling (Excel)

Systematic Sampling (TI-84)

Stratified Sampling (Excel)

Stratified Sampling (TI-84)

Cluster Sampling (Excel)

Cluster Sampling (TI-84)

Note: Sometimes Applications will use data sets. These files will be put with the application assignment into folders, such as the one below. If the file is not expanded then click on it to expand it.