LEARNING AREA: RESEARCH SKILLS

STRAND: RESEARCH PROCEDURES

SUB-STRAND: SAMPLING
YEAR: 1
Sampling: can be defined as taking of a portion of a population or universe as a representative of
the population.

Population. refers to the total number of individuals of a particular species living in a specific area
at a given time.
In a broader context, the term can be applied in various fields, including:

1. Demography: In human terms, population refers to the total number of people living in a specific
geographic area, such as a country, city, or region. It can also encompass various demographic
characteristics, such as age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

2. Ecology: In ecology, population refers to a group of individuals of the same species that inhabit
a particular area and interact with one another. Ecologists study population dynamics, including
factors that affect population size, density, distribution, and growth.

3. Statistics: In statistics, a population can refer to the entire set of individuals or items that are the
subject of a study. This can include people, animals, plants, or any other entities being analyzed.
Researchers often take samples from a population to make inferences about the whole.
Key Characteristics of Population

 Size: The total number of individuals in the population.

 Density: The number of individuals per unit area or volume.
 Distribution: How individuals are spread out in a given area (e.g., uniform, random,
clumped).
 Demographics: The statistical characteristics of a population, such as age, gender, and
ethnicity.
SAMPLING TECHNIQUES/METHODS.
Sampling techniques: are methods used to select a sample/subset of individuals or items from a
larger population for the purpose of making inferences about that population.
These techniques can be broadly categorized into two main types: probability sampling and non-
probability sampling.
Probability Sampling Techniques

In probability sampling, every member of the population has a known, non-zero chance of being
selected. This allows for the results to be generalized to the larger population with a certain level
of confidence.
Common probability sampling techniques include:

1. Simple Random Sampling: Every member of the population has an equal chance of being
selected. This can be achieved using random number generators or drawing lots.

2.Systematic Sampling: Members of the population are selected at regular intervals. For example,
if you want to sample every 10th person from a list of 100, you would select individuals at positions
10, 20, 30, etc.

3.Stratified Sampling: The population is divided into subgroups (strata) based on a specific
characteristic (e.g., age, gender, income), and random samples are taken from each stratum. This
ensures representation from all subgroups.

4. Cluster Sampling: The population is divided into clusters (often geographically), and entire
clusters are randomly selected. This is useful when the population is large and spread out.

5. Multistage Sampling: A combination of sampling methods is used. For example, you might use
cluster sampling to select clusters and then simple random sampling within those clusters.

Non-Probability Sampling Techniques

In non-probability sampling, not all members of the population have a known or equal chance of
being selected. This can lead to biases and limits the ability to generalize findings to the larger
population.
Common non-probability sampling techniques include:

1.Convenience Sampling: Samples are taken from a group that is easily accessible. This method
is quick and inexpensive but may not be representative of the population.

2.Judgmental or Purposive Sampling: The researcher selects individuals based on their judgment
about who would be most informative or relevant to the study. This method relies on the
researcher’s expertise.

3.Snowball Sampling: Existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their
acquaintances. This is often used in populations that are hard to access or identify.

4.Quota Sampling: The researcher ensures equal representation of certain characteristics by setting
quotas for different subgroups. However, the selection within those quotas is not random.

5.Self-Selection Sampling: Individuals volunteer to participate in the study. This can lead to bias,
as those who choose to participate may have different characteristics than those who do not.
A sample, is a subset of individuals or items selected from a larger population, used for the purpose
of statistical analysis or research. The goal of using a sample is to draw conclusions about the
entire population without having to study every individual within that population. Here are some
key points about samples:

Key Characteristics of a Sample

1. Subset: A sample consists of a portion of the population, which can be selected in various ways,
such as randomly or systematically.

2. Representativeness: Ideally, a sample should accurately reflect the characteristics of the larger
population to ensure that the findings can be generalized. This is often achieved through random
sampling methods.

3. Size: The size of the sample can vary depending on the research design, the population size, and
the desired level of precision. Larger samples generally provide more reliable estimates of
population parameters.
4. Purpose: Samples are used in research to make inferences about the population, test hypotheses,
and estimate population parameters (like means, proportions, etc.) without the need for a complete
census.

Types of Samples

1.Random Sample: Every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected. This
helps minimize bias.

2. Stratified Sample: The population is divided into subgroups (strata) based on certain
characteristics, and samples are drawn from each stratum.

3. Systematic Sample: Individuals are selected at regular intervals from a list or queue.

4. Convenience Sample: Individuals are selected based on their availability and willingness to
participate, which may introduce bias.

5. Cluster Sample: The population is divided into clusters (often geographically), and entire
clusters are randomly selected.

Importance of Sampling

Cost-Effective: Studying a sample is often more practical and less expensive than studying an
entire population.
Time-Saving: Collecting data from a sample can be done more quickly than conducting a full
census.
Feasibility: In many cases, it is impossible or impractical to collect data from every individual in
a population.