st: proportional random sampling

[Steve Nakoneshny <scnakone@ucalgary.ca>]

Dear Statalisters,

I have a small dataset (n=44) from which I want to draw a random sample of records. The distribution of these records across my variable of interest in approximately 2:1. What I wish to do is to create a random sample of records of size n that retains the proportional distribution across my variable of interest.

Assuming a random sample where n=12, I wrote the following code:

sort ecs
by ecs: sample 8,count
sample 50 if ecs==1

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Although how I coded it certainly works, what I am wondering if there is a more elegant means of coding to achieve a similar result?


Thanks,
Steve
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