Systematic sampling is achieved by numbering or ordering each element in the population (e.g., time order, alphabetical order, and medical order) and then selecting every kth element. The key point that most people ignore when doing a systematic sample is that:
- The starting point for selecting every kth element should be guaranteed through a random process and should be equal to or less than k but greater than zero.
- The starting point for selecting every kth element should be guaranteed through a random process and should be less than k but greater than zero.
- The starting point for selecting every kth element should be guaranteed through a random process and should be greater than zero.
- The starting point for selecting every kth element should be guaranteed through a random process and should be equal to or greater than zero.