The key to good research is preparation, preparation, and preparation. Hence, the key to making good sampling choices is preparation. Trochim (2008) defines sampling as the drawing of a sample (a subset) from a population (the full set). In our everyday lives we all draw samples without realising it. For instance, when one decides to taste some unfamiliar food or drink that is some form of sampling. Williams (2003 74) posits that “Sampling is a search for typicality). On the other hand, (Clark: 2006 87) defines sampling as “a process of drawing a number of individual cases from a larger population”. According to (Chiromo: 2006 16), “a sample is a smaller group or subset of the population”.
As Chiromo 2006: 17 correctly points out, there are two types of sampling techniques namely probability and non-probability sampling. Probability sampling is the type of sampling that affords each member or unit of the population an equal choice of being included in the sample, (Clark 2006: 18). On the other hand in non-probability sampling, the units of the sample have an unknown chance of being included in the sample. Quantitative research uses both random and non-random sampling although there is usually a mistaken belief the non-random sampling is for qualitative research alone.
This paper discusses different types of sampling techniques used in quantitative research. It begins by looking at probability sampling (also known as random sampling) before discussing non-probability sampling (non-random sampling). The discussion ends by looking considerations that should be made before selecting a sampling technique before concluding. Because quantitative researchers prefer probability sampling and only use non-probability on rare occasions the e...
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...legal regulations.
Sampling is the act of choosing a smaller, more manageable subset of the objects or members of a population to include in an investigation in order to study with greater ease something about that population. In other words, sampling allows researchers to select a subset of the objects or members of a population to represent the total population. Sampling is used in language research when the objects or members (hereafter simply objects or members, but not both) of a population are so numerous that investigating all of them would be unwieldy. Quantitative researchers use both probability and non-probability sample but rely more on probability because of its generalisability. In choosing sampling methods, considerations need to be made for the objective of the research, the resources available, the population and the legal and ethical requirements.
Two sampling methods include mail surveys and convenience sampling, a variation of a nonprobability sample. Mail surveys, inexpensive way to contact individuals over a large geographical area, provide anonymity to the respondent, and eliminate interview bias. Convenience sampling, a nonprobability sample, the only criteria is the convenience of the unit to the researcher, fast and uncomplicated, but the sampling error not determined.
The very first step to the “Nine Step Stairway to Effective Evaluation” is to define the research population. Population can mean anybody. So, it is needs to be clear as to who we are focusing on. The specification of the focused population is defined by the evaluation researcher. This can include, age, gender, race, culture, or socio-economic status just to name a few (DiClemente et al., 2013).
An investigation of 150 randomly selected local restaurants concluded that 42% of local restaurants have serious health code violations. Is this a population or a sample; explain your answer.
Not a random sample. They sampled “well-off people”. That subset of people may be the most likely to purchase, but they aren’t the only ones who can/would purchase their
Bipolar due to Medical Condition is the second diagnosis being considered for the case of Fernando. Bipolar due to Medical Condition is being entertained due to Fernando’s goal-directed activity at work, apparent decreased need for sleep, as well as his excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences such as his diet, use of alcohol, and cigarette use that has lasted much more than a week’s duration. These considerations meet criteria A and B. However, criterion C does not fit as Fernando has not had disturbances in his social or occupational functioning or hospitalizations due to these behaviors. Due to the lack of fitting criteria Bipolar due to Medical Condition is being ruled out at this time ( American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Random representative sampling is a method of sampling that uses random selection to obtain its samples. By making sure that everybody has an equal chance at being selected, random representative sampling ensures diverse samples. Using the example in paragraph one, a random representative sample allows you find the statistics on all the company’s employees without interviewing all them. Random representative sampling is important for getting accurate poll results because it allows you to find the view of a population while making sure that the poll is not biased in any way.
The mean of witch the authors went about on collecting data is sort of like field research. For an example, they would go into areas with the most problems in the chosen community. Instead of offering to help and solve the p...
As mental health services become more mainstream the individuals seeking those services become more diverse. The need for culturally competent counselors is on the rise. The following will highlight a scenario in which I am morally opposed to homosexuality and find myself working with a client who discloses he is homosexual and is having problems in his romantic relationship with another man. How I would handle this situation, ways in which my own moral standards in the context of this therapeutic relationship would be maintained, ways in which my moral stance might impact therapy, ways in which disclosure of my moral values may come into play, and considerations for how to address clashes between my own values and client values in the future will be the topics of discussion.
...ristics such as age, race, gender, education etc. The only way to use this sample is if other methods are not available. In order for a purposive sampling approach to be successful, researchers need to be careful and not use results from previous convenience samples (Purposive sampling, 2012).
The father of quantitative analysis, Rene Descartes, thought that in order to know and understand something, you have to measure it (Kover, 2008). Quantitative research has two main types of sampling used, probabilistic and purposive. Probabilistic sampling is when there is equal chance of anyone within the studied population to be included. Purposive sampling is used when some benchmarks are used to replace the discrepancy among errors. The primary collection of data is from tests or standardized questionnaires, structured interviews, and closed-ended observational protocols. The secondary means for data collection includes official documents. In this study, the data is analyzed to test one or more expressed hypotheses. Descriptive and inferential analyses are the two types of data analysis used and advance from descriptive to inferential. The next step in the process is data interpretation, and the goal is to give meaning to the results in regards to the hypothesis the theory was derived from. Data interpretation techniques used are generalization, theory-driven, and interpretation of theory (Gelo, Braakmann, Benetka, 2008). The discussion should bring together findings and put them into context of the framework, guiding the study (Black, Gray, Airasain, Hector, Hopkins, Nenty, Ouyang, n.d.). The discussion should include an interpretation of the results; descriptions of themes, trends, and relationships; meanings of the results, and the limitations of the study. In the conclusion, one wants to end the study by providing a synopsis and final comments. It should include a summary of findings, recommendations, and future research (Black, Gray, Airasain, Hector, Hopkins, Nenty, Ouyang, n.d.). Deductive reasoning is used in studies...
Often uses random sampling to select a large statistically representative sample from which generalizations can be drawn.
The sampling design process includes five steps which are closely related and are important to all aspect of the marketing research project. The five steps are: defining the target population; determining the sample frame; selecting a sampling technique; determining the sample size; and executing the sampling process.
Traditional research may use quantitative or qualitative research method. According to Hendricks (2009), quantitative research is a general conclusion based on hard data. Hen-dricks describe quantitativ...
Data collection is a process by which you receive useful information. It is an important aspect of any type of research, as inaccurate data can alter the results of a study and lead to false hypothesis and interpretations. The approach the researcher utilizes to collect data depends on the nature of the study, the study design, and the availability of time, money and personnel. In addition, it is important for the researcher to determine whether the study is intended to produce qualitative or quantitative information.
Research which is also known as the search for knowledge is an art of scientific search for specific information. According to Clifford Woody, the research includes defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis and suggested solutions, collecting, organising and evaluating data, making deductions and reaching conclusion and further testing whether the conclusion will fit into formulating hypothesis. Research Methodology is a scientific and systematic way of finding solution to a problem. In this research, researcher has studied various steps for research like problem along with the logic behind them. For this study, researcher must know various research techniques like mean, mode,