Data Sampling

In Statistics, the sampling method or sampling technique is the process of studying the
population by gathering information and analysing that data. It is the basis of the data where
the sample space is enormous.
There are several different sampling techniques available, and they can be subdivided into
two groups.

Types of Sampling Method

In Statistics, there are different sampling techniques available to get relevant results from the
population. The two different types of sampling methods are:

 Probability Sampling
 Non-probability Sampling

Probability Sampling
The probability sampling method utilizes some form of random selection. In this method, all
the eligible individuals have a chance of selecting the sample from the whole sample space.
This method is more time consuming and expensive than the non-probability sampling
method.
The benefit of using probability sampling is that it guarantees the sample that should be the
representative of the population.

Probability Sampling Types

Probability Sampling methods are further classified into different types, such as
1. Simple random sampling,
2. Systematic sampling,
3. Stratified sampling,
4. Clustered sampling.

Simple Random Sampling

In simple random sampling technique, every item in the population has an equal and likely
chance of being selected in the sample. Since the item selection entirely depends on the
chance, this method is known as “Method of chance Selection”. As the sample size is large,
and the item is chosen randomly, it is known as “Representative Sampling”.
Example:
Suppose we want to select a simple random sample of 200 students from a school. Here, we
can assign a number to every student in the school database from 1 to 500 and use a random
number generator to select a sample of 200 numbers.

Systematic Sampling
In the systematic sampling method, the items are selected from the target population by
selecting the random selection point and selecting the other methods after a fixed sample
interval. It is calculated by dividing the total population size by the desired population size.
Example:
Suppose the names of 300 students of a school are sorted in the reverse alphabetical order. To
select a sample in a systematic sampling method, we have to choose some 15 students by
randomly selecting a starting number, say 5. From number 5 onwards, will select every 15th
person from the sorted list. Finally, we can end up with a sample of some students.

Stratified Sampling
In a stratified sampling method, the total population is divided into smaller groups to
complete the sampling process.
The small group is formed based on a few characteristics in the population. After separating
the population into a smaller group, the statisticians randomly select the sample.
For example, there are three bags (A, B and C), each with different balls. Bag A has 50 balls,
bag B has 100 balls, and bag C has 200 balls. We have to choose a sample of balls from each
bag proportionally. Suppose 5 balls from bag A, 10 balls from bag B and 20 balls from bag
C.

Clustered Sampling
In the clustered sampling method, the cluster or group of people are formed from the
population set. The group has similar significatory characteristics. Also, they have an equal
chance of being a part of the sample. This method uses simple random sampling for the
cluster of population.
Example:
An educational institution has ten branches across the country with almost the number of
students. If we want to collect some data regarding facilities and other things, we can’t travel
to every unit to collect the required data. Hence, we can use random sampling to select three
or four branches as clusters.

Non-Probability Sampling
The non-probability sampling method is a technique in which the researcher selects the
sample based on subjective judgment rather than the random selection.
In this method, not all the members of the population have a chance to participate in the
study.

Non-Probability Sampling Types

Non-probability Sampling methods are further classified into different types, such as
convenience sampling, consecutive sampling, quota sampling, judgmental sampling,
snowball sampling.

Convenience Sampling
In a convenience sampling method, the samples are selected from the population directly
because they are conveniently available for the researcher. The samples are easy to select,
and the researcher did not choose the sample that outlines the entire population.
Example: In researching customer support services in a particular region, we ask your few
customers to complete a survey on the products after the purchase. This is a convenient way
to collect data. Still, as we only surveyed customers taking the same product. At the same
time, the sample is not representative of all the customers in that area.

Consecutive Sampling
Consecutive sampling is similar to convenience sampling with a slight variation. The
researcher picks a single person or a group of people for sampling. Then the researcher
researches for a period of time to analyse the result and move to another group if needed.

Quota Sampling
In the quota sampling method, the researcher forms a sample that involves the individuals to
represent the population based on specific traits or qualities. The researcher chooses the
sample subsets that bring the useful collection of data that generalizes the entire population.

Purposive or Judgmental Sampling

In purposive sampling, the samples are selected only based on the researcher’s knowledge.
As their knowledge is instrumental in creating the samples, there are the chances of obtaining
highly accurate answers with a minimum marginal error. It is also known as judgmental
sampling or authoritative sampling.

Snowball Sampling
Snowball sampling is also known as a chain-referral sampling technique. In this method, the
samples have traits that are difficult to find. So, each identified member of a population is
asked to find the other sampling units. Those sampling units also belong to the same targeted
population.

Probability sampling v/s Non-probability Sampling Methods

The below table shows a few differences between probability sampling methods and non-
probability sampling methods.

Probability Sampling
Non-probability Sampling Methods
Methods

Probability Sampling is a
Non-probability sampling method is a
sampling technique in which
technique in which the researcher chooses
samples taken from a larger
samples based on subjective judgment,
population are chosen based
preferably random selection.
on probability theory.

These are also known as These are also called non-random sampling
Random sampling methods. methods.
These are used for research These are used for research which is
which is conclusive. exploratory.

These involve a long time to These are easy ways to collect the data
get the data. quickly.

There is an underlying
hypothesis in probability
The hypothesis is derived later by conducting
sampling before the study
the research study in the case of non-
starts. Also, the objective of
probability sampling.
this method is to validate the
defined hypothesis.