Module 3 Session 5
Session 5: Simple random sampling
Summary
In this session participants will be introduced to the theory and practice of simple random
sampling.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to select simple random samples
Content
o Definition of simple random sampling
o
o
o
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Random numbers/random mechanisms
Procedure for selecting a simple random sample
How to use a random number table to select the sample
Advantages and disadvantages of simple random sampling
Outputs
o Random samples selected using simple random sampling design
Resources
o Random number tables
o Microsoft Excel
o CAST
o The Green Book (Chapter 4)
Related sessions - Module 3 Session 4
Districts Training Programme
Module 3 Session 5 – Page 1
Module 3 Session 5
Activities
Activity 1
Recap of previous session.
[15 Mins]
Activity 2
PowerPoint session on definitions of simple random sampling, procedure for selecting a
simple random sample, random numbers/random mechanisms, how to use a random
number table to select a simple random sample, advantages and disadvantages of simple
random sampling.
[45 Mins]
Activity 3
Select a simple random sample of 5 participants in this course using the manual method.
Write down the sample. Note you will still need a sampling frame from which to draw
your sample.
Table 1
[30 Mins]
Districts Training Programme
Module 3 Session 5 – Page 2
Module 3 Session 5
In groups of 3 or 4 discuss, and then briefly summarise below, how you would select a
simple random sample of 20 pregnant women from the district
Table 2
[30 Mins].
Activity 4
Then every group reports back on how to collect this sample. There will also be a collective
summary of
(i)
(ii)
the various samples;
the limitations of each sample
on the board / flipchart.
[15 Mins]
Activity 5
On the computer/DVD provided to you, under resources, click on CAST; enter the
password to LOGIN (51556), click on African Cast, Inference then click on 1. Modelling
Variability, then click on Populations and sampling. You will get reading materials on the
following topics:


Selecting a random sample
Selecting a sample manually
Districts Training Programme
Module 3 Session 5 – Page 3
Module 3 Session 5
•
•
•
Random digits
Selecting the sample
Select a random Simple Random sample of 15 individuals using CAST. Write down
the selected sample
Table 3
[60 Mins]
Materials

Copy of the PowerPoint presentation.


CAST
The Green Book
Districts Training Programme
Module 3 Session 5 – Page 4