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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Select and use sampling methods 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262559  Select and use sampling methods 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Statistics 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Mathematical Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required by people in the field of statistics. Learners would be able to contribute to a quality hierarchy of skills required to provide quality services in statistics by selecting and using sampling methods.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Identify population, select sampling frame and potential errors.
  • Define and compare different methods of sampling.
  • Use different sampling methods.
  • Design sample for given survey objective and resource constraint. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematics NQF Level 4.
  • Communication NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify population, select sampling frame and potential errors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relationship between a population and an associated sampling frame is discussed in order to determine the coverage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Possible sampling and non-sampling errors are identified in order to select the most suitable sampling frame. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    List frames and area-based frames are described in order to facilitate the selection of the most suitable frame. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An appropriate population is identified for a given context so as to facilitate the planning of a survey. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Sampling frames are compared in order to select the best for a given context. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Define and compare different methods of sampling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Probability and non-probability sampling methods are defined and compared in order to justify the use of probability sampling. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Probability sampling includes but is not limited to simple random sampling (with and without replacement), stratified sampling, systematic sampling, cluster sampling Probability proportional to size sampling (PPS) and multi-stage sampling.
  • Non-probability sampling includes but is not limited to quota, convenience, volunteers and judgement sampling.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The sampling method used in a study is identified in order to evaluate the validity of survey results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The advantages and disadvantages of different sampling methods in a given context are discussed in order to select the best method. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Use different sampling methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The way a sampling method is used in a given context is described in order to assist the planning of field work. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A random sample is selected in accordance to a given sampling method in order to implement a survey plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Statistical software is used to select a random sample. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Design a sample for given survey objective and associated resource constraint. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A suitable sampling method is selected in order to realize the survey objective with minimal sampling error. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Probability sampling includes but is not limited to simple random sampling (with and without replacement), stratified sampling, systematic sampling, cluster sampling Probability proportional to size sampling (PPS) and multi-stage sampling.
  • Non-probability sampling includes but is not limited to quota, convenience, volunteers and judgement sampling.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The sample size is calculated under given cost and error constraints. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The sampling method used in a given study is evaluated in order to determine the validity of the study results. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the relevant Education and Training Quality Assuror (ETQA) that has jurisdiction over this field of learning.
  • The assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a relevant qualification and be a subject matter expert in this learning area and at least have 3 years experience in the skills specific area, post qualification.
  • The learner can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification.

    > Internal moderation.
    > External moderation.
    > An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
    > Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
    > All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
    > Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
    > Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
    > Assessment of a portfolio of evidence.
    > Direct observation in simulated and/or controlled work conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names, functions and locations of:
  • Computer software.
  • Sampling and non-sampling errors.
  • Sampling frames.
  • Probability and non-probability sampling methods.
  • Sample size.

    Purpose of processes and procedures of:
  • Purpose of the investigation.
  • Sampling Procedure.
  • Decision making.

    Attributes, properties, characteristics related to:
  • Population, sample, sample frame.
  • Probability and non-probability sampling methods.
  • Population parameter and sample statistic.

    Cause and effect, implications of:
  • Sampling frame and sampling errors.
  • Different sampling procedures.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Methods of probability and non-probability sampling.
  • Identifying possible sampling and non-sampling errors.
  • Calculation of probabilities under different sampling procedures.
  • Comparing sampling frames.
  • Select a random sample using statistical software.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies:
  • National Statistical Offices.
  • National Statistics Act.

    Theory: Rules, laws, principles:
  • Sampling methods (simple random sampling (with and without replacement), stratified sampling, systematic sampling, cluster sampling, probability proportional to size sampling (PPS), multi-stage sampling.
  • Sampling and non-sampling errors.

    Relationships, systems:
  • The relationship between a population and an associated sampling frame.
  • The method of sampling and its relationship with statistical inference. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Recognising the problem to be solved and determining the appropriate sampling method to be used in a given context. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Team work in projects.
  • Consultation with supervisor. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Selecting the most suitable sampling frame.
  • Identifying an appropriate population for a given context in order to facilitate the planning of a survey.
  • Planning and using appropriate sampling methods in a given context. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • The advantages and disadvantages of different methods of sampling.
  • Determine the appropriate sampling frame and sampling procedure. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Selecting the most suitable sampling frame.
  • Selecting the most suitable sampling method.
  • Drawing meaningful conclusions in the given scenario. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Calculating the sample size under given resource and error constraints.
  • Evaluating the sampling method used in a given study in order to determine the validity of the results. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Recognising the relationship between the method of sampling and statistical inference.
  • Recognising the influences of the method of sampling on the social, political, economic, legislative and environmental contexts. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  65649   National Certificate: Official Statistics  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  PSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.