Sampling Methods, PDF

What Is a Sampling Method?

A sampling method is a procedure where you can get statistical analysis. The method may depend on the analysis that you want to do. Whether you are doing quantitative research or qualitative research, you need a definite method or methodology to make your work simpler. Qualitative sampling methods and quantitative sampling methods are the best approaches that you can do for your study. This is the best way to collect data to make your study feasible.

In feasibility study reports, survey reports, or market research reports, you need to collect the right data so that you can have the best observation. This can only be possible through sampling methods. Some sampling methods examples are sampling methods for surveys and sampling methods in research. Sampling methods in qualitative research can be different from sampling methods in quantitative research, but both can give you accurate samples that you can use for your study. Examples of sampling methods can prove to you that your research can truly pave its way to success. Whatever data sampling methods you choose, whether random sampling methods, non-probability sampling methods, or methods in stratified sampling, you can be sure that the outcome will be good.

Types of Sampling Methods

To minimize research bias, you need a methodology that can give you definite steps for doing your research. As you choose samples to collect data, you need sampling methods so that you will know what can be the best method for your study. Deciding on a sampling method may not be simple. You need to know what each type of sampling method can bring to the outcome of your study. Here are the types of sampling methods so that you can have an option on the best method to use.

Probability Sampling Method: The probability sampling method is a method of choosing the population for your research. Each unit has an equal chance to be chosen. A random selection is done like when you are creating a drawing. There is a need to be accurate in randomization to avoid errors. This technique is used by researchers based on probability theory. Sampling techniques in a research example may be hard to do at first, but you have the convenience of using probability sampling because you can use random samples. Random selection can predict the responses of the overall population. With the probability sampling method, the research can be conclusive. The best sample can be the represented population demographics. Though this method takes longer time to conduct, you can have definite parameters before the research begins. The benefit of the probability sampling method is the result is unbiased. You can have a hypothesis before the study begins and your study will prove this hypothesis.Non-Probability Sampling Method: When you non-randomly choose members for research, this is a non-probability sampling method. This means that you do not have a fixed selection process. Unlike the probability sampling method where it is easy to do random selection, the non-probability sampling method has no equal opportunities for population elements. Nonrandom criteria can be needed for this sampling method. The criteria can be proximity, availability, or knowledge. The population parameters can be known or unknown. All of them can be identified. But there is no equal chance for the population to be included. The samples are chosen through subjective judgment. So, the expertise of the researchers is greatly needed. The method is less stringent and the result can be done through observation. Since all the members do not have an equal chance of participation, each should be known by being selected. This method is very good for exploratory studies.Simple Random Sampling Method: Simple random sampling method selects from a subset. All the members of the population can be selected. It only has a single random selection. Even with little knowledge, you can do this process. Through randomization, data can have great internal and external validity. A simple random sampling method is a kind of probability sampling method. This gives an unbiased representation of a group. To start with, a small portion of the population is needed. All the members have equal probability. This is common in lotteries and random draws. Though sampling errors can occur, it provides a better approach than systematic sampling.Systematic Sampling Method: Systematic sampling method is choosing members from a population with a fixed interval. This is also a kind of probability sampling method. The interval is known as the sampling interval. This can be computed by dividing the population size by the sample size. This is easy to calculate through a sample size calculator. A systematic sampling method can have a random starting point. It is used by many sales and marketing professionals. Representative findings are easy to get in this method.Stratified Sampling Method: Stratified sampling method is where you divide the population into two or more groups. This can be according to the attributes of the members. The demographics that you can choose can be according to the goals of your research. There is a guarantee in this method to introduce strata. Each subject can be chosen proportionately. The data can be proportionate or not. If you want it to be proportionate, divide it into proper strata. This is how you can get accurate data.Cluster Sampling Method: The Cluster sampling method is used when you divide the population into sub-populations. These sub-populations are known clusters. They are homogeneous because they are grouped by their traits. But they can be heterogeneous if the clusters are not the same in composition. You can divide clusters into smaller representations. After that, you can eliminate what is not important. So, if you are doing a study, you need to make a finalized sample group.Convenience Sampling: The convenience sampling method is a method where you should gather data from respondents that can give you convenience. This is common when the research is complicated. It is done so that everything will become easier. All the members of the population should be accessible. This can be good for large populations. You do not have to test the entire community. Using conveniently available samples will be enough.Voluntary Response Sampling Method: This is the method where you will have samples from self-chosen respondents. The respondents will volunteer to participate in your research. They can share their opinions on the topics that you have. Especially, with those things in which they have a great interest. These volunteers will have the research surveys. They can choose the way that they can respond to the survey. They are free to give a voluntary response sample or not. But the drawback of this method is the sample can be biased. This is because the respondents can be free to give what they think. You cannot be sure about their opinions.Purposive Sampling Method: When you select samples according to judgment, that is the purposive sampling method. So, there will be requirements for the test or survey that you will use. There are seven purposive sampling techniques. They are maximum variation sampling, homogeneous sampling, typical case sampling, extreme case sampling, critical case sampling, total population sampling, and expert sampling. Purposive sampling is commonly used in selecting a candidate, launching new products, surveying religious beliefs, and doing educational research.Snowball Sampling Method: Snowball sampling method is a technique in sampling where you use samples with rare characteristics. This is also called chain-referral sampling. In this method, existing subjects give referrals. It will not be hard to gather primary data sources. A primary data source is needed in this method. This relies on referrals, and how it can get a sample. This is good for business study methods. Whether the population is unknown, you can assemble the samples.

How to Use Sampling Methods

A sampling method is essential for any research. Through it, you can have accurate data for your study. For your samples to be effective, you need a sampling method. The following are the steps in using a sampling method:

1. Set Goals

The first step is to set your goals. By knowing your goals, you will know the best method that will be apt for your objectives. Jot down your goals so you can examine them. In your goals, consider your budget and the accuracy of data.

2. Get Sampling Techniques

When you already have your goals, it is time for you to have sampling techniques. Techniques can make your work in market research easier. Be familiar with sampling methods and know the best method that you can apply in your work.

3. Test Each Method

To find the best method, you can test each one of them. Know which one can help you achieve your goals. When you find what is better, you can apply it to your research.

4. Choose a Sampling Method

After testing all methods, you will know which of them will suit your research. When you have chosen the best method, be sure to apply strategies so you will know that you can do the best thing. After that, you can collect the right information that you need for your study.

FAQs

How should you decide on the sampling method to use?

To decide on choosing a sampling method, you should consider your goals. Know the outcome that you want for your study. This way, you can choose an applicable method.

What is the difference between a probability sampling method and a non-probability sampling method?

The probability sampling method uses a random sampling method while non-probability sampling uses a non-random sampling method.

Now you know the different sampling methods. These are used to make any market research easier. They can help new and skilled researchers. By sampling methods, you won’t have difficulties when collecting data. Everything will be readily available while using different techniques.