Sampling Procedure

definition:
• Sampling may be defined as measuring a small
portion of something and then making a general
statement about the whole thing (Bradfield and
Moredock, 1957). A sample is the small group that
one observe which generalization is made.
Ferguson (1976) defines a sample as any
subaggregate drawn from the population.
 Purposes and Advantages of Sampling

There are some advantages of sampling, some of which are

the following:
1. Sampling makes possible the study of a large,
heterogeneous population.
2. Sampling is for economy.
3. Sampling is for speed.
4. Sampling is for accuracy.
5. Sampling saves the sources of data from being all
consumed.
 Sampling Size of the Population
• To determine the sample size of the population, a formula by Slovin
(1960) is given as follows:
• n = N__
1 + Ne
where: n = sample size
N = population size
e = the desired margin of error
Error is the percentage allowable for non-precision since a sample is
used instead of a population. This formula is on of the easiest and the
most convenient to use in determining the size of the sample (Adanza,
1995).
 Sampling Techniques
Sampling techniques or strategies refer to the different ways of
deriving a sample.
There are two kinds of samples:
• a.) Probability sample
• b.) Nonprobability sample
• Probability sample A probability sample is on where all
elements in the population frame has an equal chance of
being selected.
• Nonprobability sample A nonprobability sample is one
where not all elements in the population frame have an equal
chance of being selected.
 Probability Sampling Techniques
The following are the different probability sampling
techniques:
• 1.) Simple random sampling
• 2.) Systematic random sampling with a random start
• 3.) Stratified random sampling
• 4.) Cluster sampling
• 5.) Multistage sampling
1. Simple Random Sampling
The best known and most commonly used probability sampling
is the simple random sampling method.

There are two basic principles in random sampling which are:

a.) Equi-probability which means that every member of the population

has an equal chance of being chosen for the sample.

b.) Independence which refers to the condition that when one member
is selected for the sampling this should not affect the chances of the
other members getting chosen.
There are two methods of getting a random sample:

A. The Lottery Method The lottery

• method is popularly known as the “fishbowl technique”.
• It is applicable to finite populations.
• The lottery method is done by assigning randomly a number to each
participant. The numbers are written in small pieces of papers of the same size,
shape, form and color to eliminate the partiality of the researcher who may
knowingly or unknowingly be influenced by form, size, or color, thus violating
the equi-probability chance of a participant to be selected.

B. Table of Random Numbers

• The Table of Random Numbers is considered as the most systematic method
for getting sample units at random (Adanza, 1995).
To illustrate the use of the Table of Random Numbers, the following
steps are suggested (Adanza, 1995):

1.) Construct the population frame. Enumerate or identify all the

participants of the population.

2.) Give a number to each participant randomly, as arranging them

alphabetically will introduce a bias.

3.) Use the Table of Random Numbers. Close your eyes and randomly
point a number, which shall serve as the start of the random numbers
to be used.

4.) Stop when the desired number for the sample is obtained.
2. Systematic Random Sampling with a Random Start

Another form of sampling is the “systematic sampling” with a random

start. It is a strategy for selecting the members of the sample that allows only
chance and system to determine the membership in the sample.

A system is a planned strategy for selecting members after a starting point is

selected at random such as every fifth subject, every tenth subject, etc.

Here are the steps in doing a systematic sampling with a random start:

1. Construct the population frame and assign a number to each participant.

2. Using the Table of Random Numbers or the fishbowl technique, select a
number.
3. The number chosen serve as the “system” in identifying the sample of the
study. Using the number chosen as the “n”, select every “nth” number in the
population.
4. Stop when the required number of participants has been obtained.
3.Stratified Random Sampling

A stratum is defined as a sub-population or a sub-group and strata consists of two (2) or

more homogeneous populations. In stratified random sampling, samples are taken from
the different strata or sub-groups in the population. There are two approaches in
selecting sample using the stratified random sampling. These are the principle of
proportional and equal allocation. If the sizes of the strata are almost the same, use
equal allocation; if otherwise, use the principle of proportionate allocation.

4. Cluster Sampling
Cluster sampling occurs when members of the sample are selected in clusters rather
than individuals. It is sampling in which groups not individuals are randomly selected.
Any intact group of similar characteristics is a cluster.

5.Multistage Sampling
Multistage sampling is rarely used because of the complexity of its strategy. Moreover, it
incurs a lot of effort, time and expense. It is done by narrowing into stages before a
sample is finally determined.
 Nonprobability Sampling Techniques

• The nonprobability sampling techniques are the

following:
• 1.) Accidental or Convenience Sampling
• 2.) Purposive or Judgment Sampling
• 3.) Quota Sampling
• 4.) Sampling from Special Population Groups
1.Accidental or Convenience Sampling
This is a sampling strategy based on the convenience of the researcher.
This strategy allows the use of any available group of research activities. There
are two kinds of this type:

 Snowballing
Snowballing is described by Wilson (1989) as cited by Adanza (1995) as a
kind of accidental sampling where the subjects of the research
themselves suggest other subjects to the researcher, so that the
sampling process gains momentum and “snowballs down a hill.”

 Network Sampling
Brink and Wood (1983) as cited by Adanza (1995) used the word “network
sampling” in finding socially devalued urban populations such as addicts,
alcoholics, child abusers, and criminals, because they are usually “hidden from
outsiders.”
2.Purposive or Judgment Sampling

Martinez (1994) as cited by Adanza (1995) speaks of the

purposive or judgment sample as also a deliberate sampling
technique where the researcher selects a particular group or groups
based on criteria or purposes or variables.

3.)Quota Sampling
This is oftentimes used for infinite populations and
therefore the researcher cannot get a random sample from such big
population.

4.)Sampling from Special Population Groups

There are special population groups that present ethical
and political problems. Sexton (1983) claims that some problems
faced by researchers who study the chronically ill.