A population includes all of the elements from a set of data.
A sample consists one or more observations drawn from the population.
There are lot of sampling techniques which are
grouped into two categories as
Probability Sampling
Non- Probability Sampling
The difference lies between the above two is whether
the sample selection is based on randomization or not.
With randomization, every element gets equal chance
to be picked up and to be part of sample for study.
Probability Sampling
This Sampling technique uses randomization to make
sure that every element of the population gets an equal
chance to be part of the selected sample. It’s
alternatively known as random sampling.
Simple Random Sampling
Stratified sampling
Systematic sampling
Cluster Sampling
Multi stage Sampling
Simple Random Sampling: Every element has an
equal chance of getting selected to be the part sample.
It is used when we don’t have any kind of prior
information about the target population.
For example: Random selection of 20 students from
class of 50 student. Each student has equal chance of
getting selected. Here probability of selection is 1/50
Single Random Sampling
Stratified Sampling
This technique divides the elements of the population
into small subgroups (strata) based on the similarity in
such a way that the elements within the group are
homogeneous and heterogeneous among the other
subgroups formed. And then the elements are
randomly selected from each of these strata. We need
to have prior information about the population to
create subgroups.
Stratified Sampling
Cluster Sampling
Our entire population is divided into clusters or
sections and then the clusters are randomly selected.
All the elements of the cluster are used for sampling.
Clusters are identified using details such as age, sex,
location etc.
Cluster sampling can be done in following ways:
· Single Stage Cluster Sampling
Entire cluster is selected randomly for sampling.
Single Stage Cluster Sampling
· Two Stage Cluster Sampling
Here first we randomly select clusters and then from
those selected clusters we randomly select elements
for sampling
Two Stage Cluster Sampling
Systematic Clustering
Here the selection of elements is systematic and not
random except the first element. Elements of a sample
are chosen at regular intervals of population. All the
elements are put together in a sequence first where
each element has the equal chance of being selected.
For a sample of size n, we divide our population of size
N into subgroups of k elements.
We select our first element randomly from the first
subgroup of k elements.
To select other elements of sample, perform following:
We know number of elements in each group is k i.e N/n
So if our first element is n1 then
Second element is n1+k i.e n2
Third element n2+k i.e n3 and so on..
Taking an example of N=20, n=5
No of elements in each of the subgroups is N/n i.e 20/5
=4= k
Now, randomly select first element from the first
subgroup.
If we select n1= 3
n2 = n1+k = 3+4 = 7
n3 = n2+k = 7+4 = 11
Systematic Clustering
Multi-Stage Sampling
It is the combination of one or more methods described
above.
Population is divided into multiple clusters and then
these clusters are further divided and grouped into
various sub groups (strata) based on similarity. One or
more clusters can be randomly selected from each
stratum. This process continues until the cluster can’t
be divided anymore. For example country can be
divided into states, cities, urban and rural and all the
areas with similar characteristics can be merged
together to form a strata.
Multi-Stage Sampling
Non-Probability Sampling
It does not rely on randomization. This technique is
more reliant on the researcher’s ability to select
elements for a sample. Outcome of sampling might be
biased and makes difficult for all the elements of
population to be part of the sample equally. This type
of sampling is also known as non-random sampling.
Convenience Sampling
Purposive Sampling
Quota Sampling
Referral /Snowball Sampling
Convenience Sampling
Here the samples are selected based on the
availability. This method is used when the availability
of sample is rare and also costly. So based on the
convenience samples are selected.
For example: Researchers prefer this during the
initial stages of survey research, as it’s quick and easy
to deliver results.
Purposive Sampling
This is based on the intention or the purpose of study.
Only those elements will be selected from the
population which suits the best for the purpose of our
study.
For Example: If we want to understand the thought
process of the people who are interested in pursuing
master’s degree then the selection criteria would be
“Are you interested for Masters in..?”
All the people who respond with a “No” will be
excluded from our sample.
Quota Sampling
This type of sampling depends of some pre-set
standard. It selects the representative sample from the
population. Proportion of characteristics/ trait in
sample should be same as population. Elements are
selected until exact proportions of certain types of data
is obtained or sufficient data in different categories is
collected.
For example: If our population has 45% females and
55% males then our sample should reflect the same
percentage of males and females.
Referral /Snowball Sampling
This technique is used in the situations where the
population is completely unknown and rare.
Therefore we will take the help from the first element
which we select for the population and ask him to
recommend other elements who will fit the description
of the sample needed.
So this referral technique goes on, increasing the size
of population like a snowball.
Referral /Snowball Sampling
For example: It’s used in situations of highly sensitive
topics like HIV Aids where people will not openly
discuss and participate in surveys to share information
about HIV Aids.
Not all the victims will respond to the questions asked
so researchers can contact people they know or
volunteers to get in touch with the victims and collect
information
Helps in situations where we do not have the access to
sufficient people with the characteristics we are
seeking. It starts with finding people to study.