Sampling Techniques Training Course

Sampling Techniques Training Course

This intensive 5-day course offers a comprehensive, practical deep dive into the theory and application of modern sampling techniques. It is designed to equip researchers, analysts, and data scientists with the necessary skills to design efficient, cost-effective, and scientifically sound sampling plans for various types of populations and studies. Participants will learn how to choose the most appropriate sampling method—whether for quality control, market research, health surveys, or auditing—to ensure that the data collected accurately represents the target population, thereby leading to reliable and defensible conclusions. The focus is on transitioning from intuitive or ad-hoc data collection to rigorous, statistically justified sampling protocols.

The training begins with the fundamental statistical concepts of populations, samples, and estimation, before moving through the design, execution, and analysis of core probability techniques including Simple Random Sampling (SRS), Systematic Sampling, Stratified Sampling, and Cluster Sampling. The curriculum then advances to complex methodologies like Multi-Stage and Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling, alongside an examination of non-probability techniques and their inherent biases. Final modules cover crucial practical skills such as sample size calculation, managing non-response, and applying necessary weighting adjustments to produce high-quality, representative data.

Who should attend the training

·       Market Research Analysts

·       Public Health and Survey Researchers

·       Quality Control and Audit Specialists

·       Statisticians and Data Scientists

·       Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Experts

·       Academic Researchers

Objectives of the training

Personal benefits

·       Master the fundamental principles of probability sampling and statistical inference

·       Gain the ability to choose and justify the optimal sampling technique for diverse research objectives

·       Confidently calculate required sample sizes and statistical power for any study design

·       Develop practical skills in executing sampling protocols in the field or in data extraction environments

·       Enhance research credibility by minimizing sampling error and controlling for various biases

Organizational benefits

·       Reduce data collection costs and resource requirements through efficient, optimized sampling designs

·       Improve the quality and reliability of internal surveys, audits, and external research reports

·       Ensure business decisions and policy recommendations are based on representative data

·       Establish organizational standards for statistical rigor in data collection activities

·       Increase confidence in extrapolated results across large, complex populations

Training methodology

·       Expert-led lectures with visual aids and real-world case studies

·       Hands-on practical exercises using statistical software (e.g., R, Python, or specialized survey tools)

·       Group work focusing on designing complete sampling plans for hypothetical scenarios

·       Step-by-step calculation and demonstration of complex variance estimation

·       Discussion sessions on ethical considerations and field implementation challenges

Trainer Experience

Our trainers are professional statisticians and senior survey methodologists with over a decade of experience designing and managing large-scale national and international surveys for governmental and non-governmental organizations. They possess strong academic backgrounds and expertise in applying sampling theory to real-world challenges in public policy, quality management, and market analysis.

Quality Statement

We are committed to delivering rigorous, up-to-date statistical training. Our course content reflects current best practices in survey methodology and statistical standards, ensuring participants acquire practical, measurable, and essential skills for high-quality data collection and analysis.

Tailor-made courses

This course can be customized to focus on specific sampling frames or data sources relevant to your organization, such as customer databases, manufacturing lots, or geographical areas. We can adjust the theoretical depth and incorporate specific statistical software preferred by your team.

 

Course Duration: 5 days

Training fee: USD 1500

Module 1: Foundations of Sampling and Statistical Inference

·       The population, sample, and sampling frame: Clear definitions and distinction

·       Rationale for sampling: Cost reduction, speed, and accuracy

·       Sources of error: Sampling error versus non-sampling error

·       Key concepts: Parameter estimation, confidence intervals, and margin of error

·       Practical session: Calculating and interpreting confidence intervals for an estimated population mean from a simple random sample.

Module 2: Simple Random Sampling (SRS) and Estimation

·       Definition and mechanism of Simple Random Sampling (SRS)

·       Procedures for drawing an SRS sample with and without replacement

·       Estimation of population mean, total, and proportion under SRS

·       Calculating the variance and standard error of SRS estimates

·       Practical session: Using a random number generator to select an SRS from a simulated population list (sampling frame).

Module 3: Systematic and Cluster Sampling Techniques

·       Systematic Sampling: Definition, advantages, and risk of periodicity bias

·       Cluster Sampling: Definition, rationale, and identification of primary and secondary sampling units

·       Estimation of mean and total under single-stage cluster sampling

·       Comparing efficiency (design effect) of cluster sampling versus SRS

·       Practical session: Designing a Systematic Sample for quality control and simulating the impact of clustering on variance estimation.

Module 4: Stratified Random Sampling

·       Definition of strata and the conditions for effective stratification

·       Methods of allocation: Proportional allocation and optimum (Neyman) allocation

·       Estimation of population parameters under stratified sampling

·       Comparing stratified sampling to SRS: The benefit of variance reduction

·       Practical session: Analyzing a dataset to define optimal strata boundaries and calculating the required sample allocation for minimum variance.

Module 5: Complex Survey Designs: Multi-Stage and Multi-Phase

·       Multi-Stage Sampling: The sequential selection of sampling units (e.g., region  district  household)

·       Estimation procedures under two-stage sampling (e.g., selecting clusters, then elements within clusters)

·       Multi-Phase Sampling: Using initial phase data for subsequent phase selection or estimation

·       Variance estimation methods for multi-stage designs (e.g., Taylor Series Linearization)

·       Practical session: Constructing a two-stage sampling frame hierarchy for a national survey of businesses.

Module 6: Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) Sampling

·       The concept of Measure of Size (MOS) and its role in PPS sampling

·       Why PPS is preferred for large surveys: Controlling variance and ensuring self-weighting at lower stages

·       Sampling with Replacement (WR) vs. Without Replacement (WOR) in PPS

·       Hansen-Hurwitz and Des Raj estimators for PPS samples

·       Practical session: Calculating cumulative measures of size and selecting Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) using the PPS method.

Module 7: Non-Probability Sampling Methods and Limitations

·       Overview of non-probability techniques: Convenience, Judgment, Quota, and Snowball sampling

·       The inability to calculate sampling error and potential for selection bias

·       Uses and misuses of non-probability methods in market research and qualitative studies

·       Techniques for assessing the representativeness of non-probability samples

·       Practical session: Critique of a case study report that misused a non-probability sample to draw inference about a large population.

Module 8: Sample Size Determination and Power Analysis

·       Factors influencing sample size: Margin of error, confidence level, and population variance

·       Sample size formulas for estimating means and proportions under SRS and Stratified designs

·      Introduction to Statistical Power: Defining , , and the minimum detectable effect size

·       Calculating sample size needed for Hypothesis Testing (Power Analysis)

·       Practical session: Determining the minimum required sample size for an organizational quality audit to achieve a  confidence level and  margin of error.

Module 9: Bias, Non-response, and Weighting Adjustments

·       Understanding common sources of survey bias: Coverage error, measurement error, and non-response bias

·       Methods for reducing non-response error: Protocols, incentives, and follow-up strategies

·       Weighting adjustments: Raking, post-stratification, and calibration techniques to correct for non-response

·       The impact of weighting on the final variance of estimates

·       Practical session: Applying post-stratification weights to a sample dataset to align it with known population totals (e.g., age or gender distribution).

Module 10: Designing a Comprehensive Sampling Plan

·       Integrating design decisions: The systematic flow from objective to final sample selection

·       Documenting the sampling plan: Justification, procedures, and required resources

·       Practical implementation challenges: Mapping, field logistics, and interviewer training

·       Methods for quality assurance and control during data collection

·       Practical session: Developing a complete, documented sampling plan, including budget and timeline, for a fictional product satisfaction survey.

 

Requirements:

·       Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

·       Applicants must live up to Armstrong Global Institute admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Armstrong Global Training & Development Center Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588 or Email training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

Instructor-led Training Schedule

Course Dates Venue Fees Enroll
Nov 17 - Nov 21 2025 Nairobi $1,500
Dec 01 - Dec 05 2025 Mombasa $1,500
Jan 05 - Jan 09 2026 Kigali $2,500
Jan 19 - Jan 23 2026 Kampala $2,500
Dec 08 - Dec 12 2025 Zoom $1,300
May 04 - May 08 2026 Nakuru $1,500
Sep 14 - Sep 18 2026 Kisumu $1,500
Jun 01 - Jun 05 2026 Kigali $2,500
Oct 05 - Oct 09 2026 Kampala $2,500
Apr 13 - Apr 17 2026 Arusha $2,500
Apr 20 - Apr 24 2026 Johannesburg $4,500
Jun 08 - Jun 12 2026 Pretoria $4,500
Aug 17 - Aug 21 2026 Cape Town $4,500
Jul 13 - Jul 17 2026 Addis Ababa $4,500
May 11 - May 15 2026 Cairo $4,500
Aug 03 - Aug 07 2026 Dubai $5,000
Aug 03 - Aug 07 2026 Riyadh $5,000
Jul 20 - Jul 24 2026 Doha $5,000
Sep 21 - Sep 25 2026 Jeddah $6,950
Sep 21 - Sep 25 2026 London $6,500
Aug 10 - Aug 14 2026 Paris $6,500
Jun 01 - Jun 05 2026 Geneva $6,500
Apr 13 - Apr 17 2026 Berlin $6,500
Aug 03 - Aug 07 2026 Zurich $6,500
Aug 17 - Aug 21 2026 New York $6,950
Jun 15 - Jun 19 2026 Washington DC $6,950
Jul 13 - Jul 17 2026 Toronto $7,000
Oct 12 - Oct 16 2026 Vancouver $7,000
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