When discussing sampling techniques, one of the most important aspects to consider is which sample will fairly represent the population. Sampling is the process of selecting a subgroup from the entire population in order to make generalizations about the whole population. In order to ensure that the sample chosen is valid and reliable, it is important to consider the different types of sampling that are available.
Types of Sampling
There are a variety of sampling techniques that can be used to ensure that a sample accurately reflects the population. The most commonly used sampling techniques include:Random Sampling
Random sampling is a method of selecting a sample from a population in a way that each member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen. This is done by selecting each member of the sample at random. This method ensures that the sample is a true and accurate representation of the population as a whole.Stratified Sampling
Stratified sampling is a method of selecting a sample from a population by dividing the population into homogeneous subgroups and then randomly selecting members from each subgroup. This method is used to ensure that the sample is a representation of the entire population and that each subgroup is adequately represented.Cluster Sampling
Cluster sampling is a method of selecting a sample from a population by dividing the population into clusters, or groups, and then randomly selecting one or more of these clusters. This method ensures that the sample is representative of the entire population and that each cluster is adequately represented.Sampling Technique | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Random Sampling | Ensures that each member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen Ensures that the sample is a true and accurate representation of the population | Chance of sample bias if the population is not large |
Stratified Sampling | Ensures that the sample is a representation of the entire population Ensures that each subgroup is adequately represented | Time consuming and may be more expensive |
Cluster Sampling | Ensures that the sample is representative of the entire population Ensures that each cluster is adequately represented | Chance of sample bias if the population is not large enough |