Sampling

It refers to the technique or the procedure the researcher will adopt in selecting items for the sample It is done before data is collected In research terms a sample is a group of people, objects, or items that are taken from a larger population for measurement. The sample should be representative of the population to ensure that we can generalise the findings from the research sample to the population as a whole.

Why Sampling
There would also be difficulties measuring whole populations because: The large size of many populations Inaccessibility of some of the population Accuracy and sampling Sampling Error - A sample is expected to mirror the population from which it comes, however, there is no guarantee that any sample will be precisely representative of the population. Chance may dictate that a disproportionate number of untypical observations will be made. Sampling error can make a sample unrepresentative of its population. Sampling error comprises the differences between the sample and the population that are due solely to the particular participants that have been selected.

Steps in sampling design

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Type of universe- finite and infinite Sampling Units Source List sampling frame Size of sample Parameters of interest Budgetary constraints Sampling procedure -

Criteria for selecting a sample procedure

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Inappropriate sampling frame Defective measuring device Non respondents Indeterminacy principle Natural Bias in reporting data -

Characteristics of a good sample design

1. It must result in a truly representative sample 2. It must be such which results in a small sampling error 3. It must be viable in terms of funds and time 4. It must be so that systematic bias can be controlled 5. It should b such that result of sample study can be applied to universe

1. Probability sampling (Representative samples) Random sampling or chance sampling Every unit has chance of being selected as a sample Lottery method where we chose by chance not deliberately but by mechanical process They provide the most valid or credible results because they reflect the characteristics of the population from which they are selected There are two types of probability samples: random and stratified.

2. Non - Probability sampling No basis for selecting the sample Deliberate sampling, purposive sampling, judgement sampling Personal elements plays role Yields result which may be favorable to researchers point of view Danger of bias Convenient and in expensive

Types of Probability Sampling 1. Simple random sampling It has a probability that any of the unit of the universe is likely to be the chosen sample. A way of selecting the sample is by means of a table of random numbers.

2. Systematic sampling (interval random sampling)

Where every Kth person, starting with a person randomly selected from among the first K persons is selected.

This method is referred to as a systematic sample with a random start.

3. Stratified sampling (may be proportionate or disproportionate) This is where populations are classified into strata and separate samples selected from each strata. The ultimate function of stratification is to organize the population into homogeneous subsets and to select the appropriate number of elements from each.

4. Cluster sampling
This is where all the elements in selected clusters are included in the sample.

Usually the sampling unit contains more than one population element.

Types of Non-probability Sampling 1. Quota sampling Selects quotas to represent sub-populations. 2. Purposive sampling Selecting sample on the basis of knowledge of the research problem to allow selection of typical persons for inclusion in the sample.

3. Snowball sampling This is where researchers solicit help from respondents in identifying the population under study.
4. Dimensional sampling A technique to enhance sample representativeness.

1. Quota sampling Researcher deliberately sets the proportions of levels or strata within the sample. This is generally done to insure the inclusion of a particular segment of the population. The proportions may or may not differ dramatically from the actual proportion in the population. The researcher sets a quota, independent of population characteristics.

2. Purposive sampling A purposive sample is a non-representative subset of some larger population, and is constructed to serve a very specific need or purpose. A researcher may have a specific group in mind, such as high level business executives. Include whomsoever is available

3. Snowball sampling A subset of a purposive sample is a snowball sample A snowball sample is achieved by asking a participant to suggest someone else who might be willing or appropriate for the study. Snowball samples are particularly useful in hard-to-track populations, such as truants, drug users, etc. 4. Convenience sampling A convenience sample is a matter of taking what you can get. It is an accidental sample. Volunteers would constitute a convenience sample.

5. Dimensional sampling An extension to quota sampling. The researcher takes into account several characteristics e.g. gender, age income, residence education and ensures there is at least one person in the study that represents that population.