Sampling as applied in research

Definition:
Sampling is the selection of potential study members
from a well predefined study member population. The
population is too large for us to consider collecting
information from all its members.
Similarly

Sampling is concerned with the selection of a subset of

individuals from within a statistical population to
estimate characteristics of the whole population.

In description sampling entails the separation/selection of a smaller

population known as a sample from a big known population of study, and
the selected population gives that perfect picture of the general population
as regards the intention of the sampling process.
Sampling Techniques:
Majorly divided in two i.e.

Probability Sample
Non probability Sampling

Probability Sampling
Probability sampling also known as Random Sampling methods involve
sampling where the sampling population is known, and all the members of
the population have equal chances of being chosen. E.g. assume a survey
being carried out on a new student registration system. Then all the
student have equal chances to be chosen for the survey about the
system regardless of the course of study.
A probability sample is a sample in which every unit in the population has a
chance (greater than zero) of being selected in the sample, and this
probability can be accurately determined.

Types of Probability Sampling

Simple Random Sampling

Also known as the straight forward unbiased sampling method that

involves the sampler or the researcher getting the total number of
the general population and deciding a number of members or units

to sample. This later involves random selection of the sample

units/members to fill the decided number. This is more less similar
casting lots

Systematic Sampling

This type of probability sampling is also called ordinal sampling and

pseudo-simple random samples. Systematic random sampling
includes selection of sampling units in sequences separated on lists
by the interval of selection. The selection of the sample from the
population list is made by randomly selecting a beginning and
choosing every nth name. the skip interval k is determined by the
ratio N/n where N is the general Population and n is the specified
sample size similar to the one used in the simple random
sample(SRS) above.

Stratified Random Sampling

Stratified random sampling is one in which the population is divided

into subgroups or strata, and a random sample is then selected
from each subgroup. When a few characteristics are known about a
population, stratified random sampling is preferable.
Stratified random sampling can be subdivided into proportionate
and disproportionate. Proportionate stratification is often done to
ensure representation of populations that have importance to the
research, while disproportionate is done to allow analysis of some
particular strata members or to increase the overall precision of the
sample estimates. The big difference between the two stems from
the use of a fraction. Proportionate stratified uses the same fraction
for each subgroup and disproportionate uses different fractions for
each subgroup

Cluster Sampling

Cluster sampling, is very to stratified sampling in that survey

population members are divided into unique, no overlapping groups
prior to sampling. These groups are referred to as clusters instead
of strata because they are naturally occurring groupings such as
schools, households, or geographic units. Whereas a stratified
sample involves selecting a few members from each group or
stratum, cluster sampling involves the selection of a few groups
and data are collected from all group members. This sampling
method is used when no list of the population exists but cluster lists
are obtainable.

References
(Sampling
(statistics),
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistical_survey)
Quantitative Research Methods, ENGL 5377, Spring 2007, Bobbie
Latham, March 8, 2007
Sampling, march 2010, Willy Bikokye Kafeero, Makerere University.