Population or Universe: It refers to the group of people, items or units under investigation and
includes every individual.Sample: a collection consisting of a part or subset of the objects or
individuals of population which is selected for the purpose, representing the population Sampling:
It is the process of selecting a sample from the population. For this population is divided into a
number of parts called Sampling Units.
Need of sampling: Large population can be conveniently covered. Time, money and energy is
saved. Helpful when units of area are homogenous. Used when percent accuracy is not
acquired. Used when the data is unlimited. Advantages of sampling : Economical: Reduce the
cost compare to entire population. - Increased speed: Collection of data, analysis and
Interpretation of data etc take less time than the population. Accuracy: Due to limited area of
coverage, completeness and accuracy is possible.- Rapport: Better rapport is established with the
respondents, which helps in validity and reliability of the results Disadvantages of sampling :
Biasedness: Chances of biased selection leading to incorrect conclusion Selection of true
representative sample: Sometimes it is difficult to select the right representative sample Need
for specialized knowledge: The researcher needs knowledge, training and experience in sampling
technique, statistical analysis and calculation of probable error Impossibility of sampling:
Sometimes population is too small or too heterogeneous to select a representative sample.
Characteristics of a Good sampling : A true representative of the population. Free from error due
to bias. Adequate in size for being reliable. Units of sample should be independent and relevant
Units of sample should be complete precise and up to date Free from random sampling error
Types of sampling :1.Probability Sampling: A probability sample is one in which each member of
the population has an equal chance of being selected. 2.Non-Probability Sampling: Nonprobability
Sample a particular member of the population being chosen is unknown. In probability sampling,
randomness is the element of control. In Non-probability sampling, it relies on personal judgme nt.
Probability (Random) Sampling • You can generalize to the population defined yb hte sampling
frame • Alows ues of statistics, tests hypotheses Can estimate population parameters Eliminates
bias • Must have random selection of units .
Non-Probability (Non-Random) Sampling You cannot generalize beyond the sample
• Exploratory research, generates hypotheses Population parameters are not of interest Adequacy
of the sample can't be known Cheaper, easier, quicker ot cary out
Simple Random Sampling: Here all members have the same chance (probability) of being selected.
Random method provides an unbiased cross selection of the population.
Systematic Sampling: Each member of the sample comes after an equal interval from its previous
member.
Stratified Sampling: The population is divided into smaller homogenous group or strata by some
characteristic and from each of these strata members are selected randomly.
Cluster Sampling (Area Sampling): A researcher/ enumerator selects sampling units at random and
then does complete observation of all units in the group.
Purposive Sampling: In this sampling method, the researcher selects a "typical group" of
individuals who might represent the larger population and then collects data from this group. Also
known as Judgmental Sampling.
Convenience Sampling : It refers to the procedures of obtaining units or members
who are most conveniently available. It consists of units which are obtained because cases are
readily available
. Quota Sampling: The selection of the sample is made by the researcher, who decides the quotas
for selecting sample from specified sub groups of the population.
Snowball Sampling: In snowball sampling, the researcher Identifying and selecting available
respondents who meet the criteria for inclusion.
After the data have been collected from the subject, the researcher asks for a referral of other
individuals, who would also meet the criteria and represent the population of concern.
