Re: st: proportional random sampling

[Steve Nakoneshny <scnakone@ucalgary.ca>]

Thanks Stas. That will certainly work as well.
As far as "elegant", my operational starting point is that the code that I write is relatively crude (even if functional) and that there is more than likely some means of streamlining or foreshortening the amount of code that I write / employ. While this certainly isn't always the case, it's nice to get feedback from others as well.

Thanks,
Steve

On 2011-10-25, at 11:36 AM, Stas Kolenikov wrote:

> It looks like
> 
> sample 27, by( ecs )
> 
> would likely achieve what you need (where 27% = 12/44). Define
> "elegant" first so that we know what you are looking for :).
> 
> If you want an absolutely full control over what's going on, you can do this:
> 
> set seed 20111025
> tempvar r sample
> generate `r' = uniform()
> generate byte `sample' = 1
> bysort ecs (`r') : replace `sample' = 0 if _n > 8 & ecs == "larger group"
> bysort ecs (`r') : replace `sample' = 0 if _n > 4 & ecs == "smaller group"
> 
> count if `sample'
> assert r(N) == 12
> 
> keep if `sample'
> drop `r' `sample'
> 
> On Tue, Oct 25, 2011 at 12:05 PM, Steve Nakoneshny <scnakone@ucalgary.ca> wrote:
>> Hi Cam,
>> 
>> We're investigating in a retrospective study whether or not a particular pathologic feature of a tumour can be accurately predicted using an imaging modality (CT scan) prior to surgery. We've identified 44 eligible patients for which the distribution of this feature is approximately 2:1. Prior to undertaking the majority of the work, it was suggested that we take a random sample of each group (positive and negative) and ask the radiologists to asses their scans blindly in order to validate the data collection instrument as a pilot test.
>> 
>> The plan was to go with 5 from each arm, but it was later suggested that we provide them with an unequal distribution so that the radiologists don't automatically assume a 50/50 split. I could easily go with a fully randomized selection, but I want to ensure that we have a representative proportion for each, hence wanting to retain the 2:1 ratio.
>> 
>> I have already narrowed down the dataset to a random sample I'm comfortable with via the code I employed previously. I was simply asking of the list if anyone could suggest an alternate means of arriving at a similar result in perhaps a more elegant fashion as a purely intellectual exercise. If not, that's fine too.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Steve
>> 
>> On 2011-10-24, at 8:51 PM, Cameron McIntosh wrote:
>> 
>>> Steve,
>>> I think that if you described the motivation for this exercise, it might help elicit advice -- perhaps some that even suggests an alternative way of looking at your problem, whatever that may be. :)
>>> Thanks,
>>> Cam
>>> 
>>> ----------------------------------------
>>>> From: scnakone@ucalgary.ca
>>>> To: statalist@hsphsun2.harvard.edu
>>>> Date: Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:15:20 -0600
>>>> Subject: st: proportional random sampling
>>>> 
>>>> 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
>>>> 
>>>> ------
>>>> 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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> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Stas Kolenikov, also found at http://stas.kolenikov.name
> Small print: I use this email account for mailing lists only.
> 
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