Probability Sampling, PDF
What is Probability Sampling?
Probability sampling is a research method where you are going to select a sample that will represent a population. This can also be referred to as random sampling. In using probability sampling methods, you will have samples that have equal chances to be chosen. Your samples should represent the target population. A probability sampling example is when you want to get 100 participants from the whole population of the US, you can have a random selection in towns or cities. This way, you can have the probability that you need.
As the two major types of sampling, probability and non-probability sampling both can make your research easier. But if you know the types of probability sampling, you can say that they are a lot better than non-probability sampling. Non-probability sampling methods may be more complicated than probability sampling methods. Besides the advantages of probability sampling can encourage you to use this method. Any example of probability sampling can prove to be good. Whether you are making qualitative research or quantitative research, this sampling method will truly give ease in doing your study. It would be wise to consider probability sampling so that you will have something to use as you make market research proposals.
Types of Probability Sampling
To make strong inferences in collecting data, probability sampling can be the best method. This can be done with any type of data. You can guarantee that your samples can give good general results that are free from biases like sampling bias. When this happens, we can be sure of accurate research that we can be proud of with everybody. But to be better at the work that you are doing, you must first have to know the types of probability sampling. They are the following:
Simple Random Sampling: In simple random sampling, numbers are used when choosing samples. Sometimes, an electronic random number generator is used. This thing is done because sometimes, you have to get data from a very large population. By using numbers, you can better ensure that your work will be accurate. It will be easier for you to assess the probability. So, when you have to select a sample with a count of 100 from a 10,000 population, you should use a random number table. Sometimes, computer software is utilized to make the automated choosing process easier. Every unit has an equal chance to be chosen in simple random sampling. In that way, you can pick the best random sample. If you want to know where you can find a random number generator, you can search online. There are free random number generators on some websites. You can use them and you do not even have to sign up. Simple random sampling is a very good sampling method that will be best for market research reports and survey reports.Cluster Sampling: Another type of probability sampling is cluster sampling. In this method, you should separate the population into subgroups. These subgroups are called clusters. Every cluster has the same characteristics. There is no need to pick individuals for each cluster. Random selection can be good for the entire cluster. All the individuals from your clusters must be included in the final sample. But if the clusters are too huge, you have to pick every individual for every cluster. It is advisable to establish the clusters first before starting your research. This can be important to some geographic locations. Cluster sampling is a very economical strategy in research. This is because you can save a lot when surveying a large population. But there can be a hazard of having sampling errors in cluster sampling. Though you use clusters, they cannot guarantee the whole population.Stratified Sampling: This type of probability sampling is a random choice of a sample within the subgroup. All the elements of the subgroup have common characteristics. So, they can be the same when it comes to race, religion, or age. In stratified sampling, the subgroups are enough for the sample population. For example, if you are researching a student population, each course can belong to a different strata. To know the subgroups, you must choose a characteristic that can divide the population. Then you can have your sample for each subgroup. There can be two ways that can be used. You can either choose an equal number of units or choose the units from each subgroup. After splitting the population into strata, you can have the proportion of the population.Systematic Sampling: Systematic sampling is also a type of probability sampling. In this method, the sample can be chosen by picking units at regular intervals. The intervals will ensure that you will be systematic in gathering your data. This is common with the population that already exists. Some examples of samples are the company’s employment record, the enrollment lists of university students, and the agency’s clients. All of these samples are known to be the sampling frame. These sampling frames will be divided into segments called intervals. To compute this, divide the population size by the sample size. Then you should choose samples from the intervals. Systematic sampling is also called interval sampling. Every “nth” individual is a part of the sample. For example, in a population of 50,000, you can choose the 10th respondent as your sample. Compared with other probability sampling methods, systematic sampling is a straightforward method. It has a clear strategy for choosing the right samples. You do not have to use a random number generator. If you use a generator, the samples will not be as random as they should be. But in doing systematic sampling, be sure that there is no hidden pattern in the list. This may affect your selection. Avoid the hazard of data manipulation. At all costs, be sure that your sample will not lead to bias.Multistage Sampling: This is a random sampling method where you should choose your samples using many stages. Multiple stages will have to introduce a sampling frame in each stage. Multistage sampling also uses other types of probability sampling methods in its execution. For example, you can divide the population using cluster sampling. Then you should use samples using stratified random sampling or systematic sampling. Additional rounds of sampling are needed before having the final study. Dividing populations into groups is common in multistage sampling. If the groups are small, a three-stage sample or more is needed. In this type, you may be able to learn all the types of probability sampling.Multistage sampling is advisable for data analysis reports and pre-feasibility reports.
Advantages of Probability Sampling
Probability sampling has been widely used in many studies. If you know the probability sampling advantages, you can be encouraged to use this method because you will know that you can benefit from many things. Below are some of the advantages that you should never neglect.
Reduces Bias: Probability sampling is more accurate than the methods of non-probability sampling. Because you are getting the probability within your samples, you can be sure that you can get accurate information. One of the examples is by doing a survey. You know that even if you use samples, you can get the right information that you need. There are fewer chances of sample bias or sampling error.Good Precision: If you know the rules of probability, then using probability sampling is best for you. You can expect precise data by using this method. It will be easy for you to use the sampling distribution so that you will know how you can use your data well. Though there may be a chance of sampling error, most of the time, you can have accurate data.Saves Money: There is no way you can have surveys from the entire population. Through probability sampling, you can choose the sample size that can represent the population. It can be easy to calculate data using a sample size calculator. After that, you can assess the probability of your research. You can be sure that you can have the information that you need with just a small amount of money. Through probability sampling, you can save a lot.
How to Conduct Probability Sampling
If you will use probability sampling for the first time, it may be a big challenge for you. There are certain steps that you need to do to conduct probability sampling. They are the following:
1. Pick a Population
The process will start by choosing the population of the research. This is the entire group that you want to analyze. Get population interest so that you can choose something that you will want for your study.
2. Have a Sampling Frame
Then you should have a sampling frame or the survey frame. You can have this from different sources. Before you can get participants for your study, you need a sampling frame. This way, you can better choose samples.
3. Choose a Sample
When the sampling frame is established, you can start choosing samples. You can use random selections in doing this. Select a subgroup where you can use the different types of probability sampling. Be free to use any type, whether it is systematic sampling or stratified random sampling.
4. Have an Analysis
The last thing that you should do is analyze the results. Through your observations, you can give good recommendations. You can also give an analysis report at the end.
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of probability sampling?
The advantages of probability sampling are having a specific class only and being monotonous work. Probability sampling can be tedious at times.
When should we use probability sampling?
Probability sampling is used when we inform product development, identify emerging industries, and in having purchasing decisions.
When it is too hard to survey the entire population, we can use probability sampling to make everything possible. This strategy will surely give you easy work where you can have accurate data. It is not hard to do if you will just learn its techniques. In the end, you can have the best way to analyze every data in your study. Try our templates in this post. They can help you learn more about probability sampling. We also offer templates like stratified sampling PDF, stratified random sampling PDF, systematic sampling PDF, and cluster sampling PDF that can make you more familiar with the types of probability sampling. Download now!
