Sampling Method
In research, sampling means the process of selecting samples or the respondent itself
from a population. Statistical sampling techniques are the strategies applied by the
researcher during the statistical sampling process.
Statistics is a science deals with the collection, organization, presentation, analysis and
interpretation of data. Mostly statistics deals with numbers which is essential in a
quantitative research.
Terms use in statistics:
• Population – totality of a group
• Sample – sub-group of population
• Sampling Frame – the term used to mean the list of the members of such
population from where you will get the sample.
• Parameter – any numeric or nominal characteristics of population
• Data – set of information
• Variable – factor in experiment or research that may subject to change.
There are two types of variable according to functional relationship. (1) Dependent -
Sometimes called the criterion variable.
Two Main Types of Sampling Method
Probability Sampling or Unbiased Sampling
An equal chance of participation in the sampling or selection process (simply chance
process) is given to every member listed in the sampling frame. basically a principle of
randomization or chance.
Types of Probability Sampling
1. Simple Random Sampling – it is the most popular sampling method used in
decision making today. Using a pure-chance selection, you assure every member
the same opportunity to be in the sample.
Example: Lottery Method or Fishbowl Method, Table of Random Numbers
2. Systematic Sampling – an interval in choosing a respondent is determined. It
simply means a random starting point is selected and then every k th member will be
the succeeding samples. So the items are arranged in alphabetically or other sort.
Example: Checking every 10th student in the list.
3. Stratified Sampling – obtained by independently selecting a separate simple
random sample from each population stratum. It is used if the population has
several categories that divides the population into “strata” (divided into subsets
based on homogeneity). Example:
4. Cluster Sampling – population is divided into smaller groups and the group
to be used is selected randomly. It is sometimes referred as “area sampling”
because it is frequently applied on a geographical basis.
Example: Randomly selecting three sections with 40 students out of 1000 students.
Non-Probability Sampling
It disregards random selection of samples. Since it is not based on chance thus this
sampling is biased. The sample is chosen based on their availability, or the purpose of
study, and in some cases, on the sole discretion of the researcher.
Types of Non-Probability Sampling
1. Quota Sampling – a sampling technique whereby participant quotas are
preset prior to sampling. Typically, the researcher is attempting to gather data from a
certain number of participants that meet certain characteristics that may include
things such as age, sex, class, marital status, HIV status, etc.
2. Voluntary Sampling – there’s no selection process since the subjects are
willing or voluntarily participating in the sample selection.
3. Purposive Sampling - the most common sampling strategy. In this type of
sampling, participants are selected or sought based on pre-selected criteria based
on the research question. A group with particular characteristics that a respondent in
the group should possess.
4. Availability Sampling - the willingness of a person as your subject to interact
with you counts a lot in this non-probability sampling method. If during the data-
collection time, you encounter people walking on a school campus, along corridors,
and along the park or employees lining up at an office, and these people show
willingness to respond to your questions, then you automatically consider them as
your respondents.
5. Snowball Sampling - also known as chain referral sampling. In this method,
the participants refer the researcher to others who may be able to potentially
contribute or participate in the study. This method often helps researchers find and
recruit participants that may otherwise be hard to reach.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Five Basic Sampling Techniques of
Quantitative Research (as cited by Baraceros, 2016, p.31)
Sampling Techniques Advantages Disadvantages
Random Sampling The most accurate Unavailable list of the
theoretically; influenced only
entire population
by chance sometimes or prevention
of random sampling by
practical considerations
Stratified Sampling Assures a large sample to Can be biased if strata are
subdivide on important given false weights,
variables; needed when unless the weighting
population is too large to procedure is used for
list; can be combined with overall analysis
other techniques
Systematic Sampling Similar to random Sometimes permits bias
sampling; often easier than
random sampling
Cluster Sampling Easy to collect data on the Prone to bias when the
subject number is small
Quota Sampling Available when random Presence of bias not
sampling is controlled by the quota
impossible; quick to system
do
Table 6: Advantages and Disadvantages of Five Basic Sampling
Techniques of Quantitative Research
