SAMPLING

SAMPLING:
Sampling is a statistical procedure that is concerned with the selection
of the individual observation; it helps us to make statistical inferences about the
population.

The Main Characteristics of Sampling

In sampling, we assume that samples are drawn from the population and
sample means and population means are equal. A population can be defined as a
whole that includes all items and characteristics of the research taken into study.
However, gathering all this information is time consuming and costly. We
therefore make inferences about the population with the help of samples.
Examples , suppose you choose 1000 students among 4 millions students. then:

● 4 millions students is population

● 1000 is the size of sample
Sampling is a great tool if you have to deal with a huge volume of data and you
have limited resources.

Advantages of Sampling
Sampling have various benefits to us. Some of the advantages are listed below:

● Sampling saves time to a great extent by reducing the volume of data. You
do not go through each of the individual items.
● Sampling Avoids monotony in works. You do not have to repeat the query
again and again to all the individual data.
● When you have limited time, survey without using sampling becomes
impossible. It allows us to get near-accurate results in much lesser time
● When you use proper methods, you are likely to achieve higher level of
accuracy by using sampling than without using sampling in some cases due to
reduction in monotony, data handling issues etc.
● By using sampling, you can get detailed information on the data even by
employing small amount of resources.
Disadvantages of Sampling
Sampling also have some demerits. Some of the disadvantages are:

● Since choice of sampling method is a judgmental task, there exist chances of

biasness as per the mindset of the person who chooses it.
● Improper selection of sampling techniques may cause the whole process to
defunct.
● Selection of proper size of samples is a difficult job.
● Sampling may exclude some data that might not be homogenous to the data
that are taken. This affects the level of accuracy in the results

TYPES OF SAMPLING
There are two types of sampling methods:

● Probability sampling involves random selection, allowing you to make

statistical inferences about the whole group. Thus, Probability sampling
means that every member of the population has a chance of being selected.

I. Random sampling
II. Systematic sampling
III. Stratified sampling
IV. Cluster sampling

● Non-probability sampling involves non-random selection based on

convenience or other criteria, allowing you to easily collect initial data. 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.

I. Purposive sampling
II. Convenience sampling
III. Voluntary response sampling
IV. Snowball sampling
 1) RANDOM SAMPLING
In a simple random sample, every member of the population has an
equal chance of being selected. Your sampling frame should include the whole
population.

To conduct this type of sampling, you can use tools like random number
generators or other techniques that are based entirely on chance.

Example
You want to select a simple random sample of 100 employees of Company X.
You assign a number to every employee in the company database from 1 to 1000,
and use a random number generator to select 100 numbers.
 Random samples require a way of naming or numbering the target
population and then using some type of raffle method to choose those to make up
the sample. Random samples are the best method of selecting your sample from
the population of interest.
The advantages are that your sample should represent the target population and
eliminate sampling bias, but the disadvantage is that it is very difficult to
achieve (i.e. time, effort and money).

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 a number, but instead of
randomly generating numbers, individuals are chosen at regular intervals.

it is important to make sure that there is no hidden pattern in the list that
might skew the sample. For example, if the HR database groups employees by
team, and team members are listed in order of seniority, there is a risk that your
interval might skip over people in junior roles, resulting in a sample that is
skewed towards senior employees.
The advantage of this method is that is should provide a
representative sample, but the disadvantage is that it is very difficult
to achieve (i.e. time, effort and money).

3) STRATIFIED SAMPLING
This sampling method is appropriate when the population has mixed
characteristics, and you want to ensure that every characteristic is proportionally
represented in the sample.
 First, you divide the population into subgroups (called strata) based on the
relevant characteristic (e.g. gender, age range, income bracket, job role).

From the overall proportions of the population, you calculate how many
people should be sampled from each subgroup. Then you use random or
systematic sampling to select a sample from each subgroup.

Stratified random sampling refers to a sampling method that has the following
properties.

▪ The population consists of N elements.

▪ The population is divided into H groups, called strata.
▪ Each element of the population can be assigned to one, and only one, stratum.
▪ The number of observations within each stratum Nh is known, and N = N1
+ N2 + N3 + ... + NH-1 + NH.
 ▪ The researcher obtains a probability sample from each stratum.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Stratified sampling offers several advantages over simple random

sampling.

▪ A stratified sample can provide greater precision than a simple

random sample of the same size.
▪ Because it provides greater precision, a stratified sample often
requires a smaller sample, which saves money.
▪ A stratified sample can guard against an "unrepresentative"
sample (e.g., an all-male sample from a mixed-gender
population).
▪ We can ensure that we obtain sufficient sample points to support a
separate analysis of any subgroup.

4) Purposive sampling
This type of sampling involves the researcher using their
judgement to select a sample that is most useful to the purposes of the
research.

It is often used in qualitative research, where the researcher wants

to gain detailed knowledge about a specific phenomenon rather than
make statistical inferences. An effective purposive sample must have
clear criteria and rationale for inclusion.

Advantages of Purposive Sampling

In general, one major advantage of this type of sampling is that
it’s easier to make generalizations about your sample compared to,
say, a random sample where not all participants have the characteristic
you are studying.
Disadvantages of Purposive Sampling
Purposive sampling is sometimes called a judgmental sample, which is a bit of a
misnomer; there’s no intended bias in purposive sampling. However, due to a lack
of random sampling, purposive sampling is sometimes open to selection bias and
error.