WHAT IS SAMPLING?

When one conduct a study or research about a group of people, it's

rarely possible to collect data from every person in that group.
Instead, one select a sample. The sample is the group of individuals
who will actually participate in the research.
To draw valid conclusions from oner results, one have to carefully
decide how one will select a sample that is representative of the group
as a whole. This is called as the sampling method.
TYPES OF SAMPLING
There are two primary types of Sampling methods:-
1. Probability sampling:- it involves random selection, allowing one
to make a strong statistical inferences about the whole group.
2. Non-probability sampling:- it involves non-random selection based
on convenience or other criteria, allowing one to easily collect data.

PROBABILITY SAMPLING METHOD

Probability sampling means that every member of the population has
a chance of being selected. It is mainly used in quantitative research.
If one wants to produce results that are representative of the whole
population, probability sampling techniques are the most valid choice.
There are four main types of probability sample:-
1. Simple random sampling- In a simple random sample. Every
member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. The
sampling frame should include the whole population.
To conduct this type of sampling, one can use tools like random
numbers and generators or other techniques that are based entirely on
chance.
2. Systematic sampling- systematic sampling is similar to simple
random sampling, but it is usually slightly easier to conduct. Every
member of the population is listed with the number, but instead of
randomly generating numbers, individuals are chosen at regular
intervals.
3. Stratified sampling- Stratified sampling involves dividing the
population into subpopulations that may differ in important ways. It
allows 1 to draw more precise conclusions by insurance that every
subgroup is properly represented in the sample.
To use this sampling method one should divide the population into
subgroups (called strata) based on the relevant characteristics (for
example, gender identity, age range, income bracket, and job role).
Based on the overall proportions of the population, one can calculate
how many people should be sampled from each subgroup. Then one
uses random or systematic sampling to select a sample from each
subgroup.
4. Random sampling- it involves dividing the population into
subgroups, but each subgroup should have similar characteristics to
the whole sample. Instead of sampling individuals from each
subgroup, one randomly selects entire subgroups.
If it is practically possible, from each sample cluster. If the clusters
themselves are large, one can also sample individuals from within
each cluster using one of the techniques above. This is called
multistage sampling.
This method is good for dealing with a large and dispersed
population, but there is more risk of error in the sample, as there could
be substantial differences between clusters. It's difficult to guarantee
that the sample clusters are really representative of the whole
population

NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING METHODS

In a non-probability sample, individuals are selected based on non-
random criteria, and not every individual has a chance of being
included.
This type of sample is easier and cheaper to access, but it has a higher
risk of sapling bias. That means the inferences one can make about
the population are weaker than with probability samples, and one
conclusion may be more limited. If one uses a non-probability
sample, one should still aim to make it as representative of the
population as possible.
Non-probability sampling techniques are often used in exploratory
and qualitative research. In these types of research, the aim is not to
test hypotheses about a broad population but to develop an initial
understanding of a small or under-researched population.
There are three main types of non-probability sampling
1. Purposive sampling- it refers to a group of non-probability
sampling techniques in which units are selected because they have
characteristics that one need in oner sample. In other words, units are
selected on purpose in a purposive manner.
Also called judgemental sampling, this sampling method relies on the
researcher's judgment when identifying and selecting the individuals,
cases, or events that can provide the best information to achieve the
study's objectives.
Purposive sampling is common in quantitative research and mixed
methods research. It is particularly useful if one needs to find
information-rich cases or make the most out of limited resources, but
it is at high risk for research biases like observer bias.
2. Snowball Sampling- it is a non-probability sampling method
where new units are regulated by other units to form part of the
sample. Snowball sampling can be used full way to conduct research
about people with specific traits who might otherwise be difficult to
identify (for example, people with rare diseases).
Also known as chain sampling or network sampling, snowball
sampling begins with one or more study participants. It then continues
on the basis of referrals from those participants. This process
continues until one reaches the desired sample or a saturation point.
3. Quota sampling- it is a non-probability sampling method that
relies on the non Random selection of a predetermined number or
proportion of units. This is called a quota.
One first divides the population into mutually exclusive subgroups
(called strata) and then recruits sample units until one reaches quota.
The units share specific characteristics, determined by one's prior to
forming his strata.
ERROR
There are two types of error:-
1. SAMPLING ERROR
A sampling error is a statistical error that occurs when an analyst does
not select a sample that represents the entire population of data. As a
result, the results found in the sample do not represent the results that
would be obtained from the entire population.
Sampling is an analysis performed by selecting a number of
observations from a larger population. The method of selection can
produce both sampling errors and non-sampling errors.
2. NONRESPONSE ERRORS
Nonresponse errors result when the individuals who complete the
interview are somehow systematically different than those who were
unable to be contacted and those who choose not to participate.
CONCLUSION
it is important to carefully define the target population according to
the purpose and practicalities of the project.
If the population is very large, demographically mixed, and
geographically dispersed, it might be difficult to gain access to a
representative sample. A lack of a representative sample affects the
validity of results, and can lead to several research biases, particularly
sampling bias.