Sampling:

A sample is a group of people, object or items that are taken from a large
population for measurement.

Sampling Methods:
When is interested in a population, it is typically vital to study the sample of
population rather than to attempt the study the whole population.

There are two groups of sampling techniques:

1. Probability Sample Techniques

2. Non probability Sampling Techniques

1. Probability Sample techniques:

This technique uses random selection of units from our sampling frame to be
included in sample.
This includes:
a. Simple random sampling:
With the random sampling method, there is an equal chance of selecting the each
unit from the population when creating a sample. It reduces the potential for
human bias in the selection to be included in the sample.

b. Systematic random sampling:

In this method there is an equal chance of selecting the each unit from within the
population when creating the sample.

c. Stratified random sampling:

When one is interested in particular strata (meaning groups) within the population
(e.g. Male vs. female; houses vs. apartments.)

d. Cluster Sampling:
Cluster Sampling is very similar to stratified sampling in that survey population
members are divided into unique, non overlapping groups before sampling.
These groups are referred to as clusters instead of strata because they are naturally
occurring groupings such as schools, households or geographies.

2. Non probability Sampling Techniques:

This represents a group of sampling techniques that helps researchers to select
units from a population that they are interested in studying.

This includes:

a) Convenience Sampling:
It is the type of sampling where the units that are selected for inclusion in the
sample are the easiest to access.

b) Quota Sampling:
With this sampling the aim is to end up with the sample where the strata being
studied are the proportional to the population being studied.

c) Self Selection Sampling:

This kind of sampling is appropriate when one wants to allow units or cases,
whether individuals or organizations, to choose to take part in research on their
own accord.

d) Snowball Sampling:
Some population can be hard to reach or hidden because they exhibit some kind of
social stigma, illegal or illicit behavior, or other traits that makes them socially
marginalized. Such population includes; drug addicts, homeless people, suffers of
HIV/AIDS and prostitutes.