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In this post, we’ve covered the basics of sampling within the context of a typical research project. Sampling refers to the process of defining a subgroup (sample) from the larger group of interest (population). The two overarching approaches to sampling are probability sampling (random) and non-probability sampling.
- Sampling (within a research context) is the process of selecting a subset of participants from a larger group. In technical terms, the larger group...
- At the highest level, there are two approaches to sampling: probability sampling and non-probability sampling. Probability sampling involves select...
- Simple random sampling involves selecting participants in a completely random fashion, where each participant has an equal chance of being selected...
- Stratified random sampling is similar to simple random sampling, but it kicks things up a notch. As the name suggests, stratified sampling involves...
- Cluster sampling involves sampling from naturally occurring, mutually exclusive clusters within a population – for example, area codes within a cit...
- Systematic sampling involves selecting participants at a set interval, starting from a random point. What’s important with systematic sampling is t...
- Purposive sampling involves the researcher selecting participants using his or her own judgement, based on the purpose of the study (i.e., the rese...
- With convenience sampling, participants are selected based on their availability or accessibility. In other words, the sample is selected based on...
- The snowball sampling method relies on referrals from initial participants to recruit additional participants. In other words, the initial subjects...
- When selecting a sampling method for your research project, you’ll need to consider two important factors: your research aims and your resources. A...
- Population vs. Sample
- Probability Sampling Methods
- Non-Probability Sampling Methods
- Other Interesting Articles
First, you need to understand the difference between a population and a sample, and identify the target population of your research. 1. The populationis the entire group that you want to draw conclusions about. 2. The sampleis the specific group of individuals that you will collect data from. The population can be defined in terms of geographical l...
Probability sampling means that every member of the population has a chance of being selected. It is mainly used in quantitative research. If you want 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.
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 sampling bias. That means the inferences you can make about the population are weaker than with probability samples, and your co...
If you want to know more about statistics, methodology, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
People also ask
What is the guiding rationale of sampling in qualitative research?
What is stratified sampling?
How are sample sizes determined in qualitative studies?
- The Purpose of Sampling. We are interested in learning about large groups of people with something in common in psychological research. We call the group interested in studying our “target population.”
- Random Sampling. Random sampling is a type of probability sampling where everyone in the entire target population has an equal chance of being selected.
- Stratified Sampling. During stratified sampling, the researcher identifies the different types of people that make up the target population and works out the proportions needed for the sample to be representative.
- Opportunity Sampling. Opportunity sampling is a method in which participants are chosen based on their ease of availability and proximity to the researcher, rather than using random or systematic criteria.
You might remember studying sampling in a quantitative research course. Sampling is important here too, but it works a bit differently. Unlike quantitative research, qualitative research involves nonprobability sampling. This chapter explains why this is so and what qualities instead make a good sample for qualitative research.
- Title Page. The title page of your paper includes the following information: Title of the paper. Author’s name. Name of the institution with which the author is affiliated.
- Abstract. The next page of your paper provides an abstract, or brief summary of your findings. An abstract does not need to be provided in every paper, but an abstract should be used in papers that include a hypothesis.
- Margins, Pagination, and Headings. APA style requirements also address specific formatting concerns, such as margins, pagination, and heading styles, within the body of the paper.
- In-Text Citations. Throughout the body of your paper, include a citation whenever you quote or paraphrase material from your research sources. As you learned in Chapter 11 “Writing from Research: What Will I Learn?”
But what does it mean to randomly sample people, and how does a researcher do that? Defining Random vs. Non-Random Sampling Random sampling occurs when a researcher ensures every member of the population being studied has an equal chance of being selected to participate in the study.
Mar 3, 1995 · There is a need for more explicit discussion of qualitative sampling issues. This article will outline the guiding principles and rationales, features, and practices of sampling in qualitative research. It then describes common questions about sampling in qualitative research.
