nth-name selection

Extraction of a sample from a list of names on an interval basis. For example, a 7th-name selection would take every seventh name on the file based on whatever sequence the names are in. The size of the interval is based on the size of the sample needed and the size of the total file. For example, if the file has 80,000 names and 20,000 names are needed, a 4th-name selection would be made. Nth-name selection ensures that the sample is random, thereby representing the characteristics of the total file. a-b splits also provide a random sample but cannot be used to provide a sample of a particular size.