Which sampling technique is the easiest to use if an analyst only has a hard copy list of patients available?

Systematic sampling is the easiest technique to use when an analyst has only a hard copy list of patients available. This method involves selecting a starting point from the list and then choosing every nth patient on the list to be included in the sample. It is straightforward to implement with a hard copy list, as the analyst can easily count through the list and select patients based on the predetermined interval.

This technique is efficient and requires minimal resources, making it practical for situations where only a physical list is accessible. The process does not require the analyst to have advanced statistical tools or software, just a clear strategy for selecting every nth individual.

In contrast, other techniques may be more complex to apply effectively with a hard copy list. Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups and then sampling within those subgroups, which can be cumbersome without digital resources. Cluster sampling focuses on random selection of entire groups, rather than individuals, and could be impractical if those groups are not defined clearly in the hard copy list. Random sampling, while it could technically be done with a hard copy list, would require a method to ensure true randomness, which can be harder to achieve without digital randomization tools.