COMPARISON ON THE EFFICIENCY OF SIMPLE RANDOMSAMPLING VERSUS SYSTEMATIC RANDOM SAMPLING IN THE ESTIMATION OF AGES OF STUDENTS IN AN EDUCATIONAL SURVEY

Itiveh Francis Enahoro&Aniesedo Johnny M.

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro

Email: fenoitiveh4@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study was intended to ascertain the most efficient sampling techniques in sample survey: Simple random sampling versus systematic random sampling. The target population of study was the Delta State Polytechnic. For the purpose of this study, the school of Engineering Technology was selected randomly using simple random sampling – lottery method. The ages of students in the department of civil engineering technology was randomly selected among the other departments using simple random sampling without replacement (SRSWOR). Eighty (80) questionnaires were distributed using equal allocation to the respective levels in the department. Fifty respondents’ questionnaires were retrieved and data set was organized and the normality test was done. Twenty (20) elementary units were drawn from the population of fifty (50) using simple random sampling and systematic random sampling. Sample statistic- mean and variance- were calculated using the two methods compared and their efficiency was tested. Results from the normality test shows that the data was normally distributed using chi-square goodness of fit test at level of significance. From the sample statistic calculated simple random sampling has the smallest variance and as such is more efficient than systematic random sampling. It is hereby recommend that simple random sampling methods should be used in research work.

KEYWORDS: Sampling, statistic, simple random, data, systematic.