LETāS DISCUSS THE SYSTEMATIC RANDOM SAMPLING TECHNIQUE
Systematic random sampling is the random sampling method that requires selecting samples based on a system of intervals in a numbered population. For the purpose of this study, the researcher gives Ā a survey (questionnaire) to every fourth individual that she comes across in each of the in households and neighborhoods in the 10 wards in Esan West Local Government Area. A typical example of quantitative research methodology that employs systematic random sampling technique I given below.
TITLE OF THE STUDY: DEFORESTATION: CAUSES, EFFECTS AND CONTROL STRATEGIES. A CASE STUDY OF ESAN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA.
Data Required and their Sources
1) Data on the causes of deforestation in Esan West Local Government Area: these data was sourced from farmers (male and female) residing in the various communities in Esan West. This is because they are believed to have more knowledge of the factors depleting the forest resources vis a vis their farming experience.
2) Data on the effects of deforestation on the health of people in the study area: these data was sourced mainly from health practitioners in the various health centres in Esan West Local government area of Edo State. This is because nurses, doctors, physicians etc are believed to have more knowledge of health implications resulting from deforestation.
3) Data on the impact of deforestation: these data was sourced from users of forest resources such as operators of sawmills, food sellers, carpenters and others who have in one way or other feel the impact of deforestation. Such information will help ascertain the impact of deforestation on the quality of environment in Esan West Local Government Area.
4) Data on the management techniques in cubing the problem of deforestation: these data was sourced from government functionaries and other stakeholders in the academia.
The data used in this study are mainly attribute data, because the instrument (questionnaire) was used requiring respondents to indicate one out numerous options that applies to them. The nature of data required for this research are those data relating to causes, effects and strategies for curbing deforestation in Esan West L.G.A of Edo state. However, this research study is a descriptive survey design. This allows the use of questionnaire design.
Methods of Data Collection
Two major sources of data collection was explored in this thesis, they are primary and secondary method of data collection.
Primary method of data collection: As mentioned earlier, the questionnaire is the major instrument used in gathering data for the study. It forms the primary basis of our data collection, and the questionnaire will be structured in a way that it will elicit important data in line with the research objective. The questionnaires will be self administered to the respondents via the face to face methods, and data will be collected on the spot. This method of data administration will ensure a high return rate of the questionnaire and as well help to limit the numbers of invalid questionnaires.
The use of questionnaire became necessary because it is simple means of gathering data and its less expensive. Personal or oral interview will be used to complement this research work by reaching out to indigenes of communities in Esan West.
Personal Interview: this personal interview helps the researcher have a one on one talk with the respondent which enables him or her ask questions and receive immediate answers. This personal interview will be used to complement this research work by reaching out to those who cannot read and write (e.g. farmers, food sellers, etc) but yet are very relevant due to their rich knowledge of the state of forest.
Secondary method of data collection: Aside the primary source of data specified above, the secondary source of gathering data for the study was drawn from electronic media which includes: internet, television and radio, while printed sources will mainly come from newspapers, journals and bulletins and the library. References was also made to relevant seminars and workshops on the problem of deforestation.
A systematic random sampling was used to select households in the ten wards/communities in the study area ( Learn to draw any Map: Esan west local government area ). In arriving at the population, the researcher considers only 1500 adult residents (that is farmers, sawmillers and other stakeholders in the forest industry) who were counted in the 10 wards in the study area. A total of 150 samples was drawn from the population. They were selected by allowing the adults to pick a wrapped paper from a dip. Anyone who picks the tenth number automatically becomes part of the sample. This was done continuously to arrive at a total of 150. This represents 10% of the sampled population, and questionnaires will be distributed accordingly. The variation in questionnaire distribution was influenced by the dominant population of some communities than others as shown in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1: Questionnaire Distribution in Esan West
s/n |
Ward |
Pop |
No of persons/10 |
1 |
Ogwa/EgoroNaoka |
152 |
15.2 |
2 |
Ujiogba |
150 |
15.0 |
3 |
Egoro Amede/Idoa/Ukhhun |
160 |
16.0 |
4 |
Eguare/Emaudo |
204 |
20.4 |
5 |
Ihumudumu/Ujemen/Idumebo/Ujoelen/Uke |
206 |
20.6 |
6 |
Iruekpen |
92 |
9.2 |
7 |
Ukpenu/Emuhi |
90 |
9.0 |
8 |
Urohi/Akugbe |
140 |
14.0 |
9 |
Uhiele |
142 |
14.2 |
10 |
Illeh |
164 |
16.4 |
Total |
Ā |
1,500 |
150 |
Methods of Data Analysis
The descriptive and statistical analysis of data was employed. Meanwhile, simple percentage was used to analyze data regarding the demographic characteristics of respondents while the multiple regression was used to analyze the hypotheses stated earlier in the study. This statistical tool was used to explain the relationship between the phenomena.
Characterization and Measurement of variables
In order test the hypothesis stated earlier deforestation which is the independent variable will be coded as follows:
IFC = initial forest cover,
SUBF = subsistence farming
FG = fuelwood gathering
While and environmental degradation which is dependent variable will be measured by
FL = forest loss
NHCMB = natural habitat conversion to managed habitat.
All these variables centres on the causes, effect of deforestation and its management.
Note: The fact that the researcher is giving the survey to every 10th individual in any households is what makes the sampling systematic because there is an interval system. Likewise, this is a random sample because we cannot control what type of occupation and standards of living of the people in the household.
As shown in the table above, the researcher simply divides the number of sample population in each ward by 10, then sum them up to arrive at 150 sample.
Additionally, remember that systematic random sampling must still ensure that all outcomes are given equal chance of getting selected in the sample. Therefore, our survey cannot only select every 10th individual that she comes across based on status of the person or the nature of the house where they come from. She must select every 10th individual irrespective of their differences.
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