SAMPLING METHODS

What is sampling?
The process of selecting a number of individuals for a study in such a way that the individuals represent the
larger group from which they were selected.
A population of more than 100 should be sampled for effectiveness, efficiency and economy in data gathering.

A Good Sample
Represents the population
Is appropriately sized (the larger the better)
Is unbiased
Is random (by chance)

Considerations in Sampling
Size of population
Fund
Facilities
Time

Sample vs. Population

Population refers to the total number of people a researcher wants to study.
Sample refers to the people chosen to represent the population.

Purpose of Sampling
To minimize the time, money, and effort.
Scientific gathering of data; every member of the population is given a chance to be selected.
Research is made faster and cheaper.
Makes research more accurate; it lessen the error; gives more comprehensive information.

Types of Sampling Methods

Probability Sampling
Each of the units in the target population has the same chance of being included in the sample.
Greater possibility of representative sample of the population.
Conclusion derived from the data gathered can be generalized for the whole population.
1. Simple Random Sampling
2. Systematic Sampling
3. Stratified Sampling
4. Cluster Sampling

Non-Probability Sampling
Does not involve random selection and methods are not based on the rationale of probability theory.
1. Convenience or Accidental Sampling
2. Purposive Sampling
3. Quota Sampling
4. Snowball Sampling

Probability Sampling
Simple Random Sampling
Giving every unit of the population an equal chance to be included in the sample.
Could be done using:
Lottery method names of each member of the population are written on different pieces of paper are
placed in a box; the pieces of paper are taken one at a time.
Table of random numbers each unit is listed and given a number. There is a table of random numbers.
The selected sample are those in the list that matched the numbers drawn from the table.

Systematic Sampling
This is used when there is a ready list of the total universe or population.
1. Get a list of the total universe or population.
2. Divide the total population by the desired sample size to get the sampling interval.
Example 1: 300 ABM students/101 = 2.97 or 3
 3. Every 3rd person in your list will be the respondents.

Example 2: 2300 SHS students/ 124 = 18.54 or 19

- Every 19th in the list will be your respondents.

How to determine Sample size? Where:

N = Total number of population
+()2 (1)
Ss = V = 2.58 (standard value)
+()2 ()(1) Se = Sampling error (1%)
P = 0.50 (largest possible
Stratified Sampling proportion)
This scheme is used to ensure that different groups of population are adequately represented in the sample.
1. Get a list of the universe. Determine the different groups according to criteria.
2. Decide on the sampling size.
3. Get a proportion of sample from each group.
Example: 500 students (.1) = 50
600 businessmen (.1) = 60
400 teachers (.1) = 40
500 farmers (.1) = 50
Total sample = 200
4. Select the total sample either by simple random sampling or systematic sampling

Cluster Sampling
This is used in large-scale surveys.
The researcher arrives at the set of sampling units to be included in the sample by first sampling larger
grouping called clusters.
The cluster is selected by simple random or stratified sampling.
If not all the sampling units in the clusters are to be included in the sample, the final selection from
within the clusters is also carried out by simple random or stratified sampling.
Example: a survey of urban households may need a sample of cities; within each city are samples of districts;
within each district are samples of households.

Non-Probability Sampling
Convenience or Accidental Sampling
It is obtained when the researcher selects whatever units are conveniently available.
Example
A student researcher may select his/her classmates as respondents.
A researcher may select his/her family members, neighbours, or friends.

Purposive Sampling
Under this scheme, the sampling units are selected subjectively by the researcher.
Example
In conducting a research about business owners and business growth, a researcher may subjectively select
successful business owners, or owners of known businesses.
If a researcher is interested about good study habits, he/she may select students who fall into the top of the
class.

Quota Sampling
In this method, the researcher determines the sampling size which should be filled up.
Example
A researcher may be told to sample females between the age of 45 and 60.

Snowball Sampling
This type of sampling starts with the known source of information, which will in turn give other sources of
information. (referral)
Used for hidden populations difficult for the researcher to access.