A sampling frame is a list of eligible members of a population used to draw samples for surveys and studies. It helps researchers arrive at unbiased and accurate conclusions by defining the population studied. However, the frame may not include all members of the population of interest and may have errors that can skew results.
A sampling frame is a list of all eligible members of a population from which samples are taken. It can be thought of as the pool from which you get your samples. It is a statistical framework used in surveys, social research, market research and different types of studies. This framework is necessary to arrive at an unbiased and accurate conclusion or finding because it completely defines the population studied. It is not normally possible or even practical to make direct observations of every element of the population of interest, and a frame limits the population studied to a manageable figure, ultimately helping researchers draw conclusions about the entire population.
For example, a study aimed at understanding the time teens spend online can’t truly include every teen in the world. Some parameters are introduced to reduce the population of interest. A sampling frame in this case might specify that the teen lives in and around New York City, is between the ages of 13 and 15, has access to a computer at home, and attends a public school. A study done in this way may hope to unearth insights that apply to adolescents generally in this segment. Establishing a clear frame is critical to the success of any survey or study, as a faulty frame leads to inconsistent or inaccurate results or findings.
While the frame narrows the pool from which the sample is drawn, it differs to some extent from the population of interest. For example, using the previous example, the sampling frame does not include teenagers who access the web on their mobile phones, who are not at home at the time of the call, or who are simply not interested in taking surveys. Even entering the sampling framework does not guarantee that the person will become part of the final sample group. Samples can be drawn randomly from the box where each person has a chance to be included or more systematically, for example, when one person out of ten in the list is selected.
There are numerous problems that those processing a sample frame experience that can skew the results. Missing members are a very common problem where those who need to be within the frame have been left out by mistake. Duplicate members are also a big problem, when a member is listed more than once. Sometimes foreign voices, people who do not represent the population of interest, can be found within the frame. Other times, instead of listing individuals, the frame may contain groups. When errors are present within the sampling frame, the final sample drawn is defective, either as a sample not representative of the study group or containing significant bias.
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