Sampling is the process of selecting a small number of elements from a larger defined target group of elements such that

the information gathered from the small group will allow judgments to be made about the larger groups

Representativeness
A sample must be representative of the population.

Accuracy
Accuracy is the degree to which bias is absent from the sample.

Precision
A sample must yield precision estimate.

Size
A good sample must be adequate in in size in order to be reliable.

When all the units of the universe are studied, such a complete coverage is called Census Survey. When only a sample of the universe is studied, the study is called Sample Survey. In making this decision of census or sampling, the following factors are considered:
The Size of the population Amount of funds budgeted for the study Facilities Time

A Sample Design is a definite plan for obtaining a sample from a given population.

Type of Universe Sampling Unit

Sampling Frame/Source List

(Finite or Infinite)

(Geographical unit, social unit etc.)

(contains names of all the items of the finite universe)

Size of Sample Parameters of Interest Budgetary constraint Sampling Procedure

Probability sampling

Nonprobability sampling

Probability Simple random sampling Systematic random sampling Stratified random sampling Cluster sampling
Area Sampling Multi- stage sampling

Non - Probability Convenience sampling Purposive or Judgment sampling Quota sampling Snowball sampling

Simple random sampling is a method of probability sampling in which every unit has an equal nonzero chance of being selected E.g. If we want to select 10 students from among 100, we may write all their names in a slip and then randomly select 10 by lottery.

Systematic random sampling is a method of probability sampling in which the defined target population is ordered and the sample is selected according to position using a skip interval. E.g. Every 8th item of the defined target population.

Stratified random sampling is a method of probability sampling in which the population is divided into different subgroups and Samples are selected from each subgroups. E.g. For selecting National Cricket team, country is divided into state associations and then sample from each state is selected.

Cluster sampling means random selection of sampling units consisting of population elements. Then from each selected sampling unit, a sample of population elements is drawn by either simple random selection or stratified random selection. Cluster sampling is divided into two forms:
Area sampling Multistage sampling

Population is divided into groups i.e. Geographical areas like districts, talukas etc. As the geographical areas are selected as sampling units in such cases, their sampling is called area sampling. Some of the groups are randomly selected.

Under multistage cluster, the first stage may be to select large primary sampling units such as states, then districts, then towns and finally certain families within towns. If the technique of random- sampling is applied at all stages, the sampling procedure is described as multistage random cluster.

Convenience sampling / Accidental sampling relies upon convenience and access

Judgment sampling / Purposive sampling relies upon belief that participants fit the pre- determined criteria. Quota sampling emphasizes representation of specific characteristics. E.g. Age , sex, religion, social class etc.

Snowball sampling relies upon respondent referrals of others with like characteristics

Sampling error The error which arise because of studying only a part of the population are called sampling errors. These may arise due to non- representativeness of the samples and the inadequacy of sample size.

Non- Sampling or Data collection errors In data collection, there are certain errors which occurs due to unavoidable reasons. They are:
Non-response errors Selection errors Measurement errors

ADVANTAGES Reduces the time and cost of research Saves Labor Better Quality of Study Quicker Results DISADVANTAGES Require thorough knowledge of Sampling methods & procedures, otherwise the results obtained may be incorrect or misleading A large sample has all the drawbacks of a census survey Complicated sampling plan may require more labor than complete coverage Not possible to ensure representativeness of the sample even by most perfect sampling procedures. Thus, certain degree of Sampling Errors.