SAMPLING METHODS
WHAT IS SAMPLING METHODS ?
• Sampling methods are the ways to choose people from the
population to be considered in a sample survey.
• Samples can be divided based on following criteria.
TYPES OF SAMPLES
• Probability samples - In such samples, each population
element has a known probability or chance of being chosen for
the sample.
• Non-probability samples - In such samples, one can not be
assured of having known probability of each population
element.
TYPES OF PROBABILITY SAMPLING METHODS:
• 1- Simple random sampling
Simple random sampling is a sampling technique where every
item in the population has an even chance and likelihood of being
selected in the sample. Here the selection of items completely
depends on chance or by probability and therefore
this sampling technique is also sometimes known as a method of
chances.
• 2-Stratified sampling :the researcher divides the population
into separate groups, called strata. Then, a probability sample is
drawn from each group.
• 3-Cluster sampling : the researcher divides the population
into separate groups, called clusters. Then, a simple
random sample of clusters is selected from the population.
• 4-multistage sampling: is the taking of samples in stages
using smaller and smaller sampling units at each stage.
NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING METHODS
1-Voluntary sample: is made up of people who self-select into
the survey. Often, these folks have a strong interest in the main
topic of the survey. Suppose, for example, that a news show asks
viewers to participate in an on-line poll.
NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING METHODS
• 2-Convenience sample - In such sampling methods, surveyor
picks people who are easily available to give their inputs. For
example, a surveyor chooses a cinema hall to survey movie
viewers. If the cinema hall was selected on the basis that it was
easier to reach then it is a convenience sampling method.
NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING METHODS
3- Purposive sample - Purposive sampling (also known as judgment, selective or
subjective sampling) is a sampling technique in which researcher relies on his or her own
judgment when choosing members of population to participate in the study.
Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling method and it occurs when “elements
selected for the sample are chosen by the judgment of the researcher. Researchers often
believe that they can obtain a representative sample by using a sound judgment, which will
result in saving time and money”
PURPOSIVE SAMPLING(CONTINUED)
• TV reporters stopping certain individuals on the street in order to ask their opinions
about certain political changes constitutes the most popular example of this sampling
method. However, it is important to specify that the TV reporter has to apply certain
judgment when deciding who to stop on the street to ask questions; otherwise it would
be the case of random sampling technique.
PURPOSIVE SAMPLING
PURPOSIVE SAMPLING
• Alternatively, purposive sampling method may prove to be effective when only limited
numbers of people can serve as primary data sources due to the nature of research
design and aims and objectives. For example, for a research analysing affects of personal
tragedy such as family bereavement on performance of senior level managers the
researcher may use his/her own judgment in order to choose senior level managers who
could particulate in in-depth interviews.