Sampling procedure

Sampling is a process or technique of choosing a

sub-group from a population to participate in the
study; it is the process of selecting a number of
individuals for a study in such a way that the
individuals selected represent the large group from
which they were selected. There are two major
sampling procedures in research. These include
probability and non probability sampling.
 Qualitative Sampling

The primary goal of sampling is to get a representative

sample, or a small collection of units or cases from a
much larger collection or population, such that the
researcher can study the smaller group and produce
accurate generalization about the larger group.

Qualitative research focus on how the sample or small

collection of cases, units, or activities illuminates key
features of social life. The purpose of sampling is to
collect the cases, events, or action that clarify and deepen
understanding.
 Non-probability Sampling
Non-probability sampling is a sampling technique where the
samples are gathered in a process that does not give all the
individuals in the population equal chances of being selected.

Convenience Sampling

Convenience sampling is probably the most common of all

sampling techniques. With convenience sampling, the samples are
selected because they are accessible to the researcher. Subjects are
chosen simply because they are easy to recruit. This technique is
considered easiest, cheapest and least time consuming.
Quota Sampling

Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where in

the researcher ensures equal or proportionate representation of
subjects depending on which trait is considered as basis of the
quota.

Judgmental Sampling
Judgmental sampling is more commonly known as purposive
sampling. In this type of sampling, subjects are chosen to be part of
the sample with a specific purpose in mind. With judgmental
sampling, the researcher believes that some subjects are more fit for
the research compared to other individuals. This is the reason why
they are purposively chosen as subjects.
When to Use Non-Probability Sampling
 This type of sampling can be used when demonstrating that a particular trait
exists in the population.
 It can also be used when the researcher aims to do a qualitative, pilot or
exploratory study.
 It can be used when randomization is impossible like when the population is
almost limitless.
 It can be used when the research does not aim to generate results that will be
used to create generalizations pertaining to the entire population.
 It is also useful when the researcher has limited budget, time and workforce.
 This technique can also be used in an initial study which will be carried out
again using a randomized, probability sampling.
 Probability Sampling

Probability sampling is a sampling technique wherein the samples are

gathered in a process that gives all the individuals in the population equal
chances of being selected.

In this sampling technique, the researcher must guarantee that every

individual has an equal opportunity for selection and this can be
achieved if the researcher utilizes randomization.
The advantage of using a random sample is the absence of
both systematic and sampling bias. If random selection was done
properly, the sample is therefore representative of the entire
population.
The effect of this is a minimal or absent systematic bias which is the
difference between the results from the sample and the results from
the population. Sampling bias is also eliminated since the subjects are
randomly chosen.
In probability sampling it is possible to both determine which sampling
units belong to which sample and the probability that each sample will be
selected. The following sampling methods are examples of probability
sampling:

• Simple Random Sampling (SRS)

• Stratified Sampling
• Cluster Sampling
• Systematic Sampling
 Simple Random Sampling
In simple random sampling, every individual in the target population has an
equal chance of being part of the sample. This requires two steps:

1. Obtain a complete list of the population.

2. Randomly select individuals from that list for the sample.

Simple random sampling is the easiest form of probability sampling. All the
researcher needs to do is assure that all the members of the population are
included in the list and then randomly select the desired number of subjects.
There are a lot of methods to do this. It can be as mechanical as picking
strips of paper with names written on it from a hat while the researcher is
blindfolded or it can be as easy as using a computer software to do the
random selection for you.
Stratified Random Sampling

Stratified random sampling is also known as proportional

random sampling. This is a probability sampling
technique wherein the subjects are initially grouped into
different classifications such as age, socioeconomic status
or gender.
Then, the researcher randomly selects the final list of
subjects from the different strata. It is important to note
that all the strata must have no overlaps.
Researchers usually use stratified random sampling if
they want to study a particular subgroup within the
population. It is also preferred over the simple random
sampling because it warrants more precise statistical
outcomes.
Cluster Random Sampling

Cluster random sampling is done when simple random sampling is almost

impossible because of the size of the population. Just imagine doing a
simple random sampling when the population in question is the entire
population of Asia.
1. In cluster sampling, the research first identifies boundaries, in case of our
example; it can be countries within Asia.
2. The researcher randomly selects a number of identified areas. It is
important that all areas (countries) within the population be given equal
chances of being selected.
3. The researcher can either include all the individuals within the selected
areas or he can randomly select subjects from the identified areas.
Systematic Random Sampling
Systematic random sampling can be likened to an arithmetic progression
wherein the difference between any two consecutive numbers is the same.
Say for example you are in a clinic and you have 100 patients.
1. The first thing you do is pick an integer that is less than the total number
of the population; this will be your first subject e.g. (3).
2. Select another integer which will be the number of individuals between
subjects e.g. (5).
3. You subjects will be patients 3, 8, 13, 18, 23, and so on.
There is no clear advantage when using this technique.
 Other Specific Kinds of Samples
1. Criterion Sampling – selection is based on specific characteristics.
2. Homogeneous Sampling - selection of participants who have
similar experience, attitude or outlook.
3. Maximum Variation Sampling – the objective of the selection is to
attain more in-depth views from a big number of participants. In
this type of sampling ,common themes or patterns are more
palpable.
4. Intensity sampling – the objective of the selection is to sample the
same characteristics repetitively. This is usually useful in the
phomenological research design.
5. Deviant case sampling - researchers use deviant case sampling
(also called extreme case sampling) when he or she seeks cases
that differ from the dominant pattern or from the predominant
characteristics of other cases.
Purposive Sampling
In purposive sampling, the researcher uses their expert judgment to select
participants that are representative of the population. To do this, the
researcher should consider factors that might influence the population:
perhaps socio-economic status, intelligence, access to education, etc. Then
the researcher purposefully selects a sample that adequately represents the
target population on these variables.
 Diverse strategies used for recrulting research participants
• Putting notice fabric spaces, such as univer