IBM SPSS COMPLEX SAMPLES 19 manual Introduction to Complex Samples Procedures

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Introduction to Complex Samples Procedures

An inherent assumption of analytical procedures in traditional software packages is that the observations in a data file represent a simple random sample from the population of interest. This assumption is untenable for an increasing number of companies and researchers who find it both cost-effective and convenient to obtain samples in a more structured way.

The Complex Samples option allows you to select a sample according to a complex design and incorporate the design specifications into the data analysis, thus ensuring that your results are valid.

Properties of Complex Samples

A complex sample can differ from a simple random sample in many ways. In a simple random sample, individual sampling units are selected at random with equal probability and without replacement (WOR) directly from the entire population. By contrast, a given complex sample can have some or all of the following features:

Stratification. Stratified sampling involves selecting samples independently within non-overlapping subgroups of the population, or strata. For example, strata may be socioeconomic groups, job categories, age groups, or ethnic groups. With stratification, you can ensure adequate sample sizes for subgroups of interest, improve the precision of overall estimates, and use different sampling methods from stratum to stratum.

Clustering. Cluster sampling involves the selection of groups of sampling units, or clusters. For example, clusters may be schools, hospitals, or geographical areas, and sampling units may be students, patients, or citizens. Clustering is common in multistage designs and area (geographic) samples.

Multiple stages. In multistage sampling, you select a first-stage sample based on clusters. Then you create a second-stage sample by drawing subsamples from the selected clusters. If the second-stage sample is based on subclusters, you can then add a third stage to the sample. For example, in the first stage of a survey, a sample of cities could be drawn. Then, from the selected cities, households could be sampled. Finally, from the selected households, individuals could be polled. The Sampling and Analysis Preparation wizards allow you to specify three stages in

a design.

Nonrandom sampling. When selection at random is difficult to obtain, units can be sampled systematically (at a fixed interval) or sequentially.

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