SAMPLE FRAME

A sample frame is a complete list of individuals or units in the population to be studied.   An initial step in sampling is to provide a clear and accurate definition of the population exposed to your study.   This study population may comprise of a group of individuals who go somewhere or do something that enables them to be sampled.  Sampling is carried out in two stages; the first involves sampling something other than the individuals to be finally selected, the second entails creating a list of sampling units (individuals) from which a final selection is made.   Whilst the sample frame should be representative of the study population, it may be necessary to control mediating or intervening variables.   For instance, suppose I wish to ascertain the attitude of workers, employed by the Kenkei Electronics Company, toward some object or subject.   A number of workers in the study population will have been recently employed by the company, and may retain beliefs, opinions and attitudes from previous employers.   To eliminate these from the study, the sampling frame may be constructed to include workers with at least one year’s service with the Kenkei Electronics Company.

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