Entire Population Sampling Theory Studies

As it is impossible for researchers to study an entire population, sampling theory studies a target population under study. A target population refers to a group of individuals who meet the sampling criteria for a particular study. For example, male, 20 years with type 1 diabetes. The two different types of sampling design are probability and nonprobability sampling. Probability sampling is the type of sampling plan where each person in the population has an equal opportunity to be selected for the sample, whereas in nonprobability sampling methods, not every element or person in the population has a chance to be selected for a study. This type is a more common method used in nursing research because of the limitations of the availability of

In determining whether the generalization of the study findings is appropriate based on the study sampling criteria, it is important to examine the sample inclusion and exclusion criteria (Grove, et al., 2015). It is important to have a strong research design and a rigorous research methodology (Shadish, et al., 2002), as well as valid measurement methods (Waltz, et al., 2010) and a large sample size (Cohen, 1988). For example, a researcher may conclude a research report that a significant difference was found in the number of surgical site infections between two samples, one in which the subjects had been given chlorhexidine baths and another in which the patients had not. The findings are generalized from the sample in the study. Generalizations provide specific suggestions for nurses on how practice can be modified to improve patient outcomes. For example, a study indicates that the use of chlorhexidine baths would decrease surgical site infections, the implications will state how chlorhexidine baths should be implemented before surgery. These types of research provide the basis for develop evidence based practice guidelines and ensuring a high quality, safe nursing practice (Grove, et al.,