Sampling

is the process of selecting units (e.g., people, organizations) from a population of interest so that by studying the sample we may fairly generalize our results back to the population from which they were chosen.

Sampling
All items in any field of inquiry constitute a Universe or Population. The aggregate of all the units pertaining to a study is called the population or the universe. A complete enumeration of all items in the population is known as a census inquiry.

Sampling
The process of drawing a sample from a larger population is called Sampling. The list of sampling units from which a sample is taken is called the Sampling frame. A sample design is a definite plan for obtaining a sample from a given population. It refers to the technique or the procedure the researcher would adopt in selecting items for the sample.

Steps in Sample Design

Type of Universe: is to clearly define the set of objects, technically called the Universe to be studied. Sampling unit: A decision has to be taken concerning a sampling unit before selecting sample. Source list: It is also known as sample frame from which sample is to be drawn. It contains the names of all the items of a universe.

Steps in Sample Design

Size of sample: This refers to the number of items to be selected from the universe to constitute a sample. Parameters of interest: In determining the sample design, one must consider the question of the specific population parameters which are of interest. Budgetary constraint: cost considerations have a major impact upon decisions. Sampling procedure: Finally , the researcher must decide the type of sample he/she will use. ( i.e., technique/procedure)

Characteristics of good sample

Representative Accuracy Precision Size

Sampling techniques
Probability sampling
Simple random sampling Stratified random sampling Systematic random sampling Cluster sampling Area sampling Multi- stage and sub-sampling Random sampling with probability proportional Double sampling and multiphase sampling Replicated or interpenetrating

Simple random sampling

The simplest form of random sampling is called simple random. It is a means for securing a representative sample.

Stratified random sampling

In this method, the population is sub-divided into homogeneous groups or strata and from each stratum random sample is drawn.

Systematic random sampling

Drawing a sample from a frame re-arranged in a systematic order on the basis of the populations important characteristics.

Cluster (area) sampling

It means random selection of sampling units consisting of population elements.

Multi- stage sampling

In this method sampling carried out in two or more stages.

Double sampling and multi phase sampling

Double sampling refers to the subsection of the final sample from a preselected large sample that provide information for improving the final selection . When this procedure is extended to more than two phase of selection it is called multi-phase sampling

Replicated or interpenetrating sampling

Replicated or interpenetrating sampling involves selection of a certain number of sample rather than one full sample from population all the sub-sample should be drawn using to same Sampling techniques and each is a self- contained and adequate sample of the population It can be used with any basic sampling techniques

Cont.

Non-probability sampling
Convenience or accidental sampling Purposive (or judgment) sampling Quota sampling Snow-ball sampling

Convenience or accidental sampling

It means selecting whatever sampling units are conveniently available.

Purposive (or judgment) sampling

This method means deliberate selection of sample units that conform to some pre-determined criteria. This also known's as judgment sampling. This involves selection of cases which we judge as the most appropriate ones for the given study.

Quota sampling
This involving the selection of quota groups of accessible sampling units by traits such as gender, age, social class etc

Snow-ball sampling
It is a technique of building up a list or a sample of a special population by using an initial set of its members as informants. It may also be used in socio-metric studies.