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Handout for Sampling Techniques

Sampling is the process of selecting a small group from a larger population to draw conclusions about the whole. It is important because it saves time and resources while allowing for inferences about larger groups. Various sampling techniques include random, systematic, stratified, cluster, and convenience sampling, each suited for different research goals and population characteristics.

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5 views

Handout for Sampling Techniques

Sampling is the process of selecting a small group from a larger population to draw conclusions about the whole. It is important because it saves time and resources while allowing for inferences about larger groups. Various sampling techniques include random, systematic, stratified, cluster, and convenience sampling, each suited for different research goals and population characteristics.

Uploaded by

iwanttobehappyjonalyn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is Sampling?

Sampling is the process of selecting a small group from a larger population to make conclusions
about the whole population. Since it's often impossible to study an entire group, researchers use
sampling to gather information.

Why is Sampling Important?

 It saves time and money.


 It makes it easier to gather data.
 It allows us to make educated guesses (called "inferences") about larger groups.

Types of Sampling Techniques

1. Random Sampling
o What is it? Random sampling means choosing people or items from the
population at random, where every member has an equal chance of being selected.
o Example: If you want to survey students about their favorite subject, you put the
names of all students into a hat and draw names randomly.
o When to use it: Use random sampling when you want to make sure every
individual has the same chance of being chosen.

2. Systematic Sampling
o What is it? Systematic sampling involves selecting every nth member from a list
or group.
o Example: If you have a list of 100 students and want to select 10, you might
choose every 10th name on the list (e.g., 1st, 11th, 21st, etc.).
o When to use it: Use systematic sampling when the population is ordered in a way
that makes it easy to pick members at regular intervals.

3. Stratified Sampling
o What is it? Stratified sampling divides the population into smaller groups (called
"strata") based on a specific characteristic. Then, a random sample is taken from
each group.
o Example: If you’re studying students' opinions on a school event, you might
divide them by grade level (7th, 8th, 9th) and randomly choose students from
each grade to get a more balanced sample.
o When to use it: Use stratified sampling when you want to ensure that different
groups within a population are represented.
4. Cluster Sampling
o What is it? Cluster sampling involves dividing the population into groups
(clusters), then randomly selecting some of these clusters to study. Every member
of the chosen clusters is included in the sample.
o Example: If you want to survey students in a school district, you might randomly
select a few schools (clusters) and survey every student in those schools.
o When to use it: Use cluster sampling when the population is spread over a wide
area and it’s difficult to access everyone.

5. Convenience Sampling
o What is it? Convenience sampling involves choosing people or items that are
easiest to access or most convenient to study.
o Example: If you survey your classmates about lunch preferences, you're using
convenience sampling because they're easy to access.
o When to use it: Use convenience sampling when you don’t have time or
resources for more complex methods, but keep in mind that it might not represent
the entire population.

Which Sampling Technique Should You Use?

 For fairness and equal representation: Use random sampling or stratified sampling.
 For ease and quick results: Use convenience sampling.
 For large populations: Use systematic sampling or cluster sampling.

Important Points to Remember

 Sampling Bias: Make sure your sample represents the entire population. If certain
groups are left out or overrepresented, it can affect the results.
 Sample Size: A larger sample is usually better because it gives a more accurate picture of
the population.
Remember: The right sampling technique depends on your goal and the population you’re
studying!

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