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Showing posts from March, 2025

Discovery sampling

Discovery sampling is a statistical auditing technique used to detect the presence of a specific characteristic or attribute within a population, especially when the occurrence rate is expected to be very low. Here are the key points about discovery sampling: Purpose : The main goal is to identify whether at least one instance of the characteristic or attribute exists in the population. This method is particularly useful for detecting rare events, such as fraud or errors Process : Define Objective : Determine what you are trying to discover (e.g., unauthorized transactions). Set Parameters : Establish the tolerable error rate (often set to 0% for critical issues) and the confidence level (e.g., 95% confidence that the sample will include at least one instance if it exists). Sample Size : Calculate the sample size needed based on statistical tables or software. Evaluate Sample : Examine the selected sample for the characteristic or ...

Stop-or-go sampling

Stop-or-go sampling, also known as sequential sampling, is a method used primarily in auditing to determine whether a population (like a set of financial transactions) contains a high number of errors. Here are the key points about stop-or-go sampling: Purpose : The main goal is to minimize the amount of sampling needed to reach a conclusion about the population. This method is particularly useful when the expected error rate is low Process : Initial Sample Size : Auditors start with an initial sample size based on the population size and acceptable error level. Evaluation : The initial sample is evaluated for errors. If the number of errors is below a predetermined threshold, the sampling stops, and the population is considered acceptable. Continuation : If the number of errors exceeds the threshold, the sample size is increased, and further samples are evaluated until a conclusion can be drawn Advantages : Efficiency : R...

Variable sampling

Variable sampling, also known as variable-rate sampling or continuous sampling, is a statistical method used to evaluate characteristics that can be measured and quantified on a continuous scale. Unlike attribute sampling, which classifies data in a binary way (e.g., pass/fail, yes/no), variable sampling deals with a range of numerical values. Here are some key points about variable sampling: Purpose : It is often used in auditing, quality control, and other fields to determine the mean, variance, or other statistical attributes of a population based on a sample. Precision : Variable sampling provides more precise estimates compared to attribute sampling, as it deals with continuous data Applications : Quality Control : For example, measuring the length and diameter of screws in a manufacturing process to ensure they meet specified criteria. Auditing : Verifying the valuation of accounts receivable by measuring the actual amounts rather than just checkin...

Non-statistical sampling

Non-statistical sampling, also known as judgmental or haphazard sampling, is a method where the selection of the sample is based on the judgment of the examiner rather than using formal statistical techniques. Here are some key points about non-statistical sampling: Selection Based on Judgment : The examiner uses their professional judgment to determine the sample size, the items to be included, and how the results are evaluated Flexibility : This method allows for flexibility, especially in situations where specific records need to be examined due to their unique characteristics or when the population size is very small Bias Risk : One of the main concerns with non-statistical sampling is the potential for bias. Since the selection is not random, the sample may not be representative of the entire population, leading to skewed results Applications : Non-statistical sampling is often used in auditing and quality control where the examiner's expertise and experience play a cr...

Statistical sampling

Statistical sampling is a technique for selecting a subset (or sample) from a larger population to estimate its characteristics. This method is widely used in various fields, such as research, quality assurance, and survey methodology, because it is often impractical or impossible to collect data from every individual in the population. Here are some key points about statistical sampling: Purpose : The main goal is to gather information about a population without surveying every member, saving time and resources. Types of Sampling Methods : Simple Random Sampling : Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Stratified Random Sampling : The population is divided into subgroups (strata) and random samples are taken from each stratum. Cluster Sampling : The population is divided into clusters, some of which are randomly selected, and all members of chosen clusters are surveyed. Systematic ...