Overview

This unit of study gives students an understanding of the main principles and methods of sampling required to collect and analyse social survey data. In particular, it introduces students to key concepts in sampling such as a sampling frame, non-response, variance, survey weights and design effects, and how to select samples using the main probability sampling methods (simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling and cluster sampling). Students are shown how to perform estimation techniques for the various sampling methods and how to calculate sample sizes for surveys with different constraints.

Requisites

Prerequisites
STA60005 Statistical Practice 2
Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Choose a suitable sampling frame for a study
  • Compare the basic probability sampling methods including, simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling and cluster sampling
  • Estimate population parameters from complex samples using appropriate software
  • Evaluate the effect of small populations in the calculation of confidence intervals
  • Estimate sample sizes for complex designs
  • Appraise the effects of non-response bias
  • Construct population weightings for sampled data

Teaching methods

Hawthorn Online

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Online Contact (Phasing out)
Online Class		1.00 6 weeks 6
Specified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Various		4.00 12 weeks 48
Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Independent Learning		8.00 12 weeks 96
TOTAL150

OUA

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Face to Face Contact (Phasing out)
Seminar		3.00 12 weeks 36
Specified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Various		2.00 12 weeks 24
Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Independent Learning		7.50 12 weeks 90
Online Contact (Phasing out)
Online Class		1.00 6 weeks 6
Specified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Various		4.00 12 weeks 48
Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Independent Learning		8.00 12 weeks 96
TOTAL300

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
AssignmentIndividual 40% 3,4,5,7 
ExaminationIndividual 50% 2,4,6 
Online QuizzesIndividual 10% 1,2 

Content

  • Diverse approaches to sampling
  • Estimation methods for: Means, totals, proportions, ratios
  • Intra-cluster correlations
  • Bias
  • Weighting data (compare results with and without weights)
  • Simple hypothesis tests using weighting.

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.