SAMPLING METHOD
The word Sampling is the process of taking samples of something for analysis. The
Method is the form of procedure for accomplishing something. When Sampling and
Method are combined into one word it will be Sampling Method means how a sample is
selected from given population.
There are two types of Sampling, the Random Sampling and The Non-Random
Sampling. The researcher must decide which sampling method should be used since the
sample selected should have the true characteristics of the population.
These are the important methods of Random Sampling. It can be classified as:
Simple Random Sampling
This method is also called as a Method of Chance Selection. The Researcher is free
from the personal bias since this method is a technique wherein every item of the
population has an equal chance of being selected.
Based on the research, the most similar method used to get the random samples
from the population is Lottery Method. Under this method, the researcher blindfolds
himself and selects as many slips from the container which all the items of the
population are numbered or named.
Stratified Sampling
This method is a sampling technique which the population is sub-divided into
similar groups. The researchers used this method when he wants to study or compare
the specific subgroup within the population. There are two types of Stratified Sampling.
Proportionate Stratified Sampling means a same sampling fraction between the strata
and Disproportionate Stratified Sampling means different sampling fractions for
different strata. The samples are selected on a random basis are called strata.
Systematic Sampling
This method is a technique which the sample members are selected on the basis of
the constant interval. The researchers are dividing the population size by the desired
sample size. Example, if a group of 500 people is to be selected from the population of
10,000, then every 20th person will be selected in a sample. Since, the computation is
10,000/500 = 20.
Multistage Sampling
This method is a complex form of another random sampling technique, called
cluster sampling. Which the population is divided into subgroup, then few clusters are
chosen randomly for the survey. The multistage sampling is a technique wherein the
stages can be added depending on the nature of research and the size of the
population under study.
These are the important methods of Non-Random Sampling. It can be classified as:
Judgment Sampling
This method is the opposite of simple random sampling. If the simple random
sampling has an equal chance of being selected in every item of the population then the
Judgment Sampling is a non-random sampling wherein the researcher chooses only
those sample items which he feels to be the best representative of the population. The
result could be affected by the personal bias of the researcher.
Convenience Sampling
This method is also called as the Accidental Samples because when the researchers
interview the people who pass by, the subjects happen to be selected under study
accidently due to their presence at the right place and at the right time when the
information for the study is being conducted.
This method is not necessary reflect the true characteristics of the population; it is
widely used in the public opinion surveys.
Quota Sampling
This method is a form of judgment sampling technique wherein the investigator
selects the sample items from the exclusive sub-groups on the basis of his knowledge
and professional judgment.
The researcher is told to interview 100 people living in certain location, 60 males,
30 females, and 10 children are to be interviewed. Within these quotas, the researcher
can select any person based on his personal judgment. This may tamper the result when
the researcher finds children difficult to answer the question, then ask their mother to
give answers on their behalf.
Snowball Sampling
This method is used when the population is unknown or rare. The researcher
contacted their acquaintances whom they think will fit best for the research study, and
then they are contacted to get the insights and knowledge about the research being
conducted. The success of this method depends purely on the initial subject which gives
further references.
For example, the group of people suffering from NCOV is limited and often
reluctant to disclose their disease. And in such case, if the interviewer wants to know
how the life of these people have changed due to NCOV, might approach those
acquaintances who can refer those individuals who can potentially contribute to the
study.
Sampling Method has a big role to the researchers because it is impossible to
observe, interview, survey, etc. to an entire population. This method may be used to find
representative samples to avoid bias and to be able to produce accurate results.
Researcher can study the entire population by the help of sampling method.
