Explain various types of sampling techniques with examples-
Sampling helps a lot in research. It is one of the most important factors which determine the
accuracy of your research/survey result. If anything goes wrong with your sample then it will be
directly reflected in the final result. There are a lot of techniques which help us to gather sample.
Some of the basic terminologies are-
1. Population
2. Sample
3. Sampling
Population is the collection of the elements which has some or the other characteristic in common.
Number of elements in the population is the size of the population.
Sample is the subset of the population. The process of selecting a sample is known as sampling.
Number of elements in the sample is the sample size.
There are lot of sampling techniques which are grouped into two categories as
Probability Sampling
Non- Probability Sampling
Probability Sampling
This Sampling technique uses randomization to make sure that every element of the
population gets an equal chance to be part of the selected sample. It’s alternatively known
as random sampling.
1. Simple Random Sampling: Every element has an equal chance of getting selected to be
the part sample. It is used when we don’t have any kind of prior information about the
target population. For example: Random selection of 20 students from class of 50
students. Each student has equal chance of getting selected. Here probability of selection
is 1/50
2. Stratified Sampling This technique divides the elements of the population into small
subgroups (strata) based on the similarity in such a way that the elements within the group
are homogeneous and heterogeneous among the other subgroups formed. And then the
elements are randomly selected from each of these strata.
3. Cluster Sampling Our entire population is divided into clusters or sections and then the
clusters are randomly selected. All the elements of the cluster are used for sampling.
Clusters are identified using details such as age, sex, location etc.
4. Multi-Stage Sampling It is the combination of one or more methods described above.
Population is divided into multiple clusters and then these clusters are further divided and
grouped into various sub groups (strata) based on similarity. One or more clusters can be
randomly selected from each stratum. This process continues until the cluster can’t be
divided anymore. For example country can be divided into states, cities, urban and rural
and all the areas with similar characteristics can be merged together to form a strata.
Non-Probability Sampling
It does not rely on randomization. This technique is more reliant on the researcher’s ability to
select elements for a sample. Outcome of sampling might be biased and makes difficult for all the
elements of population to be part of the sample equally. This type of sampling is also known as
non-random sampling.
1. Convenience Sampling Here the samples are selected based on the availability. This
method is used when the availability of sample is rare and also costly. So based on the
convenience samples are selected. For example: Researchers prefer this during the initial
stages of survey research, as it’s quick and easy to deliver results.
2. Purposive Sampling This is based on the intention or the purpose of study. Only those
elements will be selected from the population which suits the best for the purpose of our
study. For Example: If we want to understand the thought process of the people who are
interested in pursuing master’s degree then the selection criteria would be “Are you
interested for Masters in..?” All the people who respond with a “No” will be excluded
from our sample.
3. Quota Sampling This type of sampling depends of some pre-set standard. It selects the
representative sample from the population. Proportion of characteristics/ trait in sample
should be same as population. Elements are selected until exact proportions of certain
types of data is obtained or sufficient data in different categories is collected. For
example: If our population has 45% females and 55% males then our sample should
reflect the same percentage of males and females.
4. Referral /Snowball Sampling This technique is used in the situations where the
population is completely unknown and rare. Therefore we will take the help from the first
element which we select for the population and ask him to recommend other elements
who will fit the description of the sample needed. So this referral technique goes on,
increasing the size of population like a snowball. For example: It’s used in situations of
highly sensitive topics like HIV Aids where people will not openly discuss and participate
in surveys to share information about HIV Aids.
