Composite Rank Index Method for Stratified Random Sampling in Social Science Research: A Micro-Level Case Study

Abstract

In social science research, it is important to frame a sample design which is least
biased to collect primary data in the field adopting Stratified Random Sampling which is very
much appropriate for the classification and derive certain findings and results. However, in
this sampling type, the method of stratification is a matter of confusion among the researchers.
Methods adopted by the past researchers are not the same, rather they are less statistical.
This confusion led me to try a fresh method in this regard for my research work. Further, I
have gone through a ‘Six-Steps Method’ to determine different strata of Sample Units (followed
by the Sample Size and Respondents Design) which is, perhaps, more appropriate for statistical
analysis, scientific in nature than any other method of Stratified Random Sampling. The
theme and area of the study for present case study is ‘An Appraisal of Rural Development
Programmes in Raghopur Block, District Supaul of Bihar’. The present paper is nothing but
the illustration of this new method based on the ‘Composite Rank Index’. If it is relevant, this
study can also be used by others for determining the sample based on the requirements of
their research objectives.