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Probability Sampling

Probability sampling uses random selection techniques where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. There are several types including simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, systematic sampling, and cluster random sampling. Probability sampling allows for calculating confidence intervals and margins of error. Non-probability sampling does not use random selection so the odds of members being selected cannot be calculated. There are advantages to both types such as probability sampling creating highly representative samples and non-probability sampling being low cost and easy to use.

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407 views

Probability Sampling

Probability sampling uses random selection techniques where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. There are several types including simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, systematic sampling, and cluster random sampling. Probability sampling allows for calculating confidence intervals and margins of error. Non-probability sampling does not use random selection so the odds of members being selected cannot be calculated. There are advantages to both types such as probability sampling creating highly representative samples and non-probability sampling being low cost and easy to use.

Uploaded by

amina
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Probability Sampling: Definition,Types, Advantages

and Disadvantages
Finding Sample Sizes (Sampling) > Probability Sampling

What is Probability Sampling?

Sampling takes on two forms in statistics: probability sampling and non-probability sampling:
 Probability sampling uses random sampling techniques to create a sample.
 Non-probability samplingtechniques use non-random processes like researcher judgment or convenience
sampling.
Probability sampling is based on the fact that every member of a population has a known and equal chance of
being selected. For example, if you had a population of 100 people, each person would have odds of 1 out of 100 of
being chosen. With non-probability sampling, those odds are not equal. For example, a person might have a better
chance of being chosen if they live close to the researcher or have access to a computer. Probability sampling gives
you the best chance to create a sample that is truly representative of the population.
Using probability sampling for finding sample sizes means that you can employ statistical techniques
like confidence intervals and margins of error to validate your results.

Types of Probability Sampling


 Simple random sampling is a completely random method of selecting subjects. These can include assigning
numbers to all subjects and then using a random number generator to choose random numbers. Classic ball and
urn experiments are another example of this process (assuming the balls are sufficiently mixed). The members
whose numbers are chosen are included in the sample.
 Stratified Random Sampling involves splitting subjects into mutually exclusive groups and then using simple
random sampling to choose members from groups.
 Systematic Sampling means that you choose every “nth” participant from a complete list. For example, you
could choose every 10th person listed.
 Cluster Random Sampling is a way to randomly select participants from a list that is too large for simple
random sampling. For example, if you wanted to choose 1000 participants from the entire population of the
U.S., it is likely impossible to get a complete list of everyone. Instead, the researcher randomly selects areas
(i.e. cities or counties) and randomly selects from within those boundaries.
 Multi-Stage Random sampling uses a combination of techniques.

Advantages and Disadvantages


Each probability sampling method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
 Cluster sampling: convenience and ease of use.
 Simple random sampling: creates samples that are highly representative of the population.
 Stratified random sampling: creates strata or layers that are highly representative of strata or layers in the
population.
 Systematic sampling: creates samples that are highly representative of the population, without the need for
a random number generator.

Disadvantages
 Cluster sampling: might not work well if unit members are not homogeneous (i.e. if they are different from
each other).
 Simple random sampling: tedious and time consuming, especially when creating larger samples.
 Stratified random sampling: tedious and time consuming, especially when creating larger samples.
 Systematic sampling: not as random as simple random sampling,
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Non-Probability Sampling: Definition, Types


Sampling > Non-Probability Sampling

What is Non-Probability Sampling?


Non-probability sampling is a sampling technique where the odds of any member being
selected for a sample cannot be calculated. It’s the opposite of probability sampling,
where you can calculate the odds. In addition, probability sampling involves random
selection, while non-probability sampling does not–it relies on the subjective
judgement of the researcher.
The odds do not have to be equal for a method to be considered probability sampling.
For example, one person could have a 10% chance of being selected and another person
could have a 50% chance of being selected. It’s non-probability sampling when
you can’t calculate the odds at all.

Advantages and disadvantages


A major advantage with non-probability sampling is that — compared to probability sampling — it’s very cost- and
time-effective. It’s also easy to use and can also be used when it’s impossible to conduct probability sampling (e.g.
when you have a very small population to work with).
One major disadvantage of non-probability sampling is that it’s impossible to know how well you are representing
the population. Plus, you can’t calculate confidence intervals and margins of error. This is the major reason why, if
at all possible, you should consider probability sampling methods first.
Many specific advantages and disadvantages exist for different types of non-probability sampling. You’ll find
more information about each method below (click on a name to read more about a specific method’s advantages and
disadvantages).

Types of Non-Probability Sampling


 Convenience Sampling: as the name suggests, this involves collecting a sample from somewhere convenient
to you: the mall, your local school, your church. Sometimes called accidental sampling, opportunity sampling
or grab sampling.
 Haphazard Sampling: where a researcher chooses items haphazardly, trying to simulate randomness.
However, the result may not be random at all and is often tainted by selection bias.
 Purposive Sampling: where the researcher chooses a sample based on their knowledge about the population
and the study itself. The study participants are chosen based on the study’s purpose. There are several types of
purposive sampling. For a full list, advantages and disadvantages of the method, see the article: Purposive
Sampling.
 Expert Sampling: in this method, the researcher draws the sample from a list of experts in the field.
 Heterogeneity Sampling / Diversity Sampling: a type of sampling where you deliberately choose members
so that all views are represented. However, those views may or may not be represented proportionally.
 Modal Instance Sampling: The most “typical” members are chosen from a set.
 Quota Sampling: where the groups (i.e. men and women) in the sample are proportional to the groups in the
population.
 Snowball Sampling: where research participants recruit other members for the study. This method is
particularly useful when participants might be hard to find. For example, a study on working prostitutes or
current heroin users.

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