Systematic Random Sample

Definition

A systematic random sample is a sampling method where every nth individual is selected from a list or population after starting at a randomly chosen initial individual. The interval between selections remains constant throughout.

Analogy

Think of it like picking every 5th person waiting in line for an amusement park ride. You start by randomly choosing someone as your starting point, and then select every 5th person after that until you have your desired sample size.

Related terms

Simple Random Sample: This refers to selecting individuals from a population such that each possible combination has an equal chance of being chosen.

Sampling Interval: This refers to the fixed gap between selected individuals when using systematic random sampling.

Population Parameter: This refers to numerical characteristics (mean, proportion) of an entire population that can be estimated using data from a sample.