Sampling Methods can be classified into one of two categories:

1. Probability Sampling: Sample has a known probability of being selected

2. Non-probability Sampling: Sample does not have known probability of being
selected as in convenience or voluntary response surveys

Probability Sampling

In probability sampling it is possible to both determine which sampling units belong to which
sample and the probability that each sample will be selected. The following sampling
methods are examples of probability sampling:

Simple Random Sampling (SRS)

Stratified Sampling

Cluster Sampling

Systematic Sampling

Multistage Sampling (in which some of the methods above are combined in stages

Simple Random Sampling – A simple random sample is a subset of a statistical population

in which each member of the subset has an equal probability of being chosen. An example of
a simple random sample would be the names of 25 employees being chosen out of a hat from
a company of 250 employees.

Stratified sampling refers to a type of sampling method. With stratified sampling, the
researcher divides the population into separate groups, called strata. Then, a probability
sample (often a simple random sample) is drawn from each group. Stratified sampling has
several advantages over simple random sampling.

Cluster sampling refers to a type of sampling method. With cluster sampling, the researcher
divides the population into separate groups, called clusters. Then, a simple random sample of
clusters is selected from the population.

Systematic sampling is a type of probability sampling method in which sample members

from a larger population are selected according to a random starting point and a fixed
periodic interval. This interval, called the sampling interval, is calculated by dividing the
population size by the desired sample size.

Multistage sampling can be a complex form of cluster sampling because it is a type of

sampling which involves dividing the population into groups (or clusters). Then, one or more
clusters are chosen at random and everyone within the chosen cluster is sampled.