Noveno, Jamaica Leslie M.

Ma’am Cherry Durante RN, MSPH

BSN-N3A

NCM 111 Nutrition Lecture

Activity Sheet: Population and Samples

I. Define the following terms:

forth with have a common characteristic that are the interest of a researcher.

2. Sample - is a group of people, objects, or items that are taken from a larger population for

measurement. The sample should be representative of the population to ensure that we can

generalize the findings from the research sample to the population as a whole.

3. Sampling frame - it is specific and a list of all the items in your population. It’s a complete list of

everyone or everything you want to study. 

4. Element - the basic unit that represents whatever is being sampled and from which survey data

are to be gathered.

5. Descriptive statistic - are used to describe the basic features of the data in a study. They

provide simple summaries about the sample and the measures. Together with simple

graphics analysis, they form the basis of virtually every quantitative analysis of data.
6. Inferential statistic - allows you to make predictions (“inferences”) from that data. With

inferential statistics, you take data from samples and make generalizations about a population.

7. Convenience sampling - (also known as grab sampling, accidental sampling, or opportunity

sampling) is a type of non-probability sampling that involves the sample being drawn from that

part of the population that is close to hand. This type of sampling is most useful for pilot testing.

8. Simple random sampling - subset of a statistical population in which each member of the subset

has an equal probability of being chosen. A simple random sample is meant to be an unbiased

representation of a group.

9. Quota sampling - Quota sampling means to take a very tailored sample that’s in proportion to

some characteristic or trait of a population. The population is divided into groups (also

called strata) and samples are taken from each group to meet a quota. Care is taken to maintain

the correct proportions representative of the population.  Quota sampling is based on the

researcher’s judgment and is considered a non-probability sampling technique.

10. Sampling error - is a statistical error that occurs when an analyst does not select a sample that

represents the entire population of data and the results found in the sample do not represent

the results that would be obtained from the entire population. Sampling is an analysis
 performed by selecting a number of observations from a larger population, and the selection

can produce both sampling errors and non-sampling errors.

11. Sampling bias - is a bias in which a sample is collected in such a way that some members of the

intended population have a lower or higher sampling probability than others. It results in

a biased sample, a non-random sample of a population (or non-human factors) in which all

individuals, or instances, were not equally likely to have been selected.

12. Census - is a survey conducted on the full set of observation objects belonging to a given

population or universe. It is also the complete enumeration of a population or groups at a point

in time with respect to well defined characteristics.

II. Differentiate stratified random sampling and cluster sampling

Stratified Sampling

 A population is divided into strata by random selection.

 The simplest explanation of strata is a group of members of a population.

 Simple random sampling is then performed on these strata to form samples.

 One similarity that stratified sampling has with cluster sampling is that the strat

formed should also be distinctive and non-overlapping.

reduced.

Cluster Sampling

 Naturally existing groups are chosen to be a part of the final sample set.

 Mainly used in market research, in this technique, a population is divided into

clusters and these clusters are randomly chosen to be a part of the sample.

 Information can also be collected from elements selected from each of the sub-

clusters.

 This method is usually applied in groups where there is diversity within the

groups and not between clusters.

 The only prerequisite is that all the clusters should be distinctive and non-

overlapping.

III. What are the practical ways of using statistics? Share your own experience where you used
statistics without even knowing it.

Statistics are sets of mathematical equations that are used to analyze what is
happening in the world around us. 

1. Weather Forecasts
 Do you watch the weather forecast sometime during the day? How do you use that

information? Have you ever heard the forecaster talk about weather models? These

computer models are built using statistics that compare prior weather conditions with

current weather to predict future weather.

2. Emergency Preparedness

What happens if the forecast indicates that a hurricane is imminent or that tornadoes

are likely to occur? Emergency management agencies move into high gear to be ready

to rescue people. Emergency teams rely on statistics to tell them when danger may

occur.

3. Predicting Disease

Lots of times on the news reports, statistics about a disease are reported. If the reporter

simply reports the number of people who either have the disease or who have died

from it, it's an interesting fact but it might not mean much to your life. But when

statistics become involved, you have a better idea of how that disease may affect you.
4. Medical Studies

Scientists must show a statistically valid rate of effectiveness before any drug can be

prescribed. Statistics are behind every medical study you hear about.

5. Genetics

Many people are afflicted with diseases that come from their genetic make-up and

these diseases can potentially be passed on to their children. Statistics are critical in

determining the chances of a new baby being affected by the disease.

6. Political Campaigns

Whenever there's an election, the news organizations consult their models when they

try to predict who the winner is. Candidates consult voter polls to determine where and

how they campaign. Statistics play a part in who your elected government officials will

be

7. Insurance
 You know that in order to drive your car you are required by law to have car insurance.

If you have a mortgage on your house, you must have it insured as well. The rate that an

insurance company charges you is based upon statistics from all drivers or homeowners

in your area.

8. Consumer Goods

Wal-Mart, a worldwide leading retailer, keeps track of everything they sell and use

statistics to calculate what to ship to each store and when. From analyzing their vast

store of information, for example, Wal-Mart decided that people buy strawberry Pop

Tarts when a hurricane is predicted in Florida! So they ship this product to Florida stores

based upon the weather forecast.

9. Quality Testing

Companies make thousands of products every day and each company must make sure

that a good quality item is sold. But a company can't test each and every item that they

ship to you, the consumer. So, the company uses statistics to test just a few, called a
 sample, of what they make. If the sample passes quality tests, then the company

assumes that all the items made in the group, called a batch, are good.

10. Stock Market

Another topic that you hear a lot about in the news is the stock market. Stock analysts

also use statistical computer models to forecast what is happening in the economy.

My own experience, where I used statistics without even knowing it is when I

came back home late night and my mother starts yelling at me. I’m pretty sure with the

fact that I calculated how many times did that happen, before entering the home. I

literally calculated initially the probability of my mother having a great nap. Then

the conditional probability of escaping the scene with some horrifying excuses.

IV. Differentiate probability and non-probability sampling methods

In statistics, probability sampling refers to the sampling method in which all the

members of the population have a pre-specified and an equal chance to be a part of the

sample. This technique is based on the randomization principle, wherein the procedure is so

designed, which guarantees that each and every individual of the population has an equal
selection opportunity. This helps to reduce the possibility of bias. Statistical inferences can

be made by the researchers using this technique, i.e. the result obtained can be generalized

from the surveyed sample to the target population. The methods of probability sampling,

are provided below:

 Simple Random Sampling

 Stratified Sampling

 Cluster Sampling

 Systematic Sampling

When in a sampling method, all the individuals of the universe are not given an

equal opportunity of becoming a part of the sample, the method is said to be Non-

probability sampling. Under this technique as such, there is no probability attached to

the unit of the population and the selection relies on the subjective judgment of the

researcher. Therefore, the conclusions drawn by the sampler cannot be inferred from

the sample to the whole population. The methods of non-probability sampling are listed

below:
 Convenience Sampling

 Quota Sampling

 Judgment or Purposive Sampling

 Snowball Sampling
IV. Word Search