Name: SHORYA PARIHAR

Roll No: 190101109

PGP-ID: pgp19shoryaparihar@imt.ac.in

ASSIGNMENT-1: NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING

Non-probability sampling is a sampling
technique where the samples are gathered in a
process that does not give all the elements in
Sampling the population equal chances of being selected.
It is a technique where the odds of any element

Non- being selected for a sample cannot be

Probabilty
Probability calculated. It relies on the subjective
judgement of the researcher. For example, one
element could have a 10% chance of being
selected and another element could have a 50%
chance of being selected.

The following are the characteristic features of non-probability sampling-

1) Non-probability sampling is a cost-effective process.

2) It is time-effective for information gathering and analysing data.
3) It is most useful for exploratory studies like pilot surveys.
4) Non-probability sampling is carried out by methods of observation and is widely used
in qualitative research.
5) Under non-probability sampling, it’s impossible to know how well the population is
represented and confidence intervals and margins of error cannot be calculated.
6) It is used when the research does not aim to generate results that will be used to create
generalizations pertaining to the entire population.
7) It is challenging to estimate sampling variability and identifying possible bias under
non-probability sampling.

TYPES OF NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING

1) Judgemental Sampling: Judgmental or purposive sampling is a non-probability
sampling technique where the researcher selects a sample based on their knowledge
and professional judgement. It is most effective in situations where research aims to
focus on the characteristics of a population. However, this technique is highly prone to
researcher’s bias, mostly when the researcher's judgement does not have clear criteria.
 2) Convenience Sampling: Convenience sampling is a sampling technique in which the
researcher selects a sample from population members who are readily available to
participate in the study. This technique is one of the most convenient methods to collect
a sample. In this technique, no inclusion criteria is identified before the selection of
subjects. The most common use of convenience sampling is when companies stop
people in a crowded street or mall to ask questions or collect feedback. This technique
is cost and time effective and is least complicated.
3) Quota Sampling: In this method, the population is divided into mutually exclusive
sub-groups based on chosen characteristics or traits. The researcher then uses non-
random sampling to select subjects or units until a quota of that specific sub-set is full.
Application of quota sampling ensures that the sample group represents characteristics
of the population chosen by the researcher. It is similar to stratified random sampling,
but the unit selection in quota sampling is not on a random basis.
4) Snowball Sampling: Snowball sampling or chain-referral sampling is a non-
probability sampling method used when characteristics possessed by a sample are rare
or hidden/challenging to locate. This technique works on a referral system. Once a
unit/subject of a sample identified, they are requested for assistance to seek similar
subjects to form a decently sized sample. This method can be used to collect data about
immigrants, drug-addicts or people with rare diseases. The researcher conducting
snowball sampling has little to no control over the sample units. In referencing, initial
subjects will refer to people they know well, and because of this, it is highly possible
that the subjects share similar traits which might lead to a collection of repetitive data,
and sample will be small.
5) Consecutive Sampling: Consecutive sampling or total enumerative sampling is a
sampling technique in which every subject meeting the criteria of inclusion is selected
until the required sample size is achieved. This kind of sampling helps the researcher
to fine tune his/her work by pooling results that give vital insights. It is typically better
than convenience sampling in controlling sampling bias. However, in consecutive
sampling, the quantity of interest has temporal or seasonal trends. Bias can also occur
in consecutive sampling when consecutive samples have some common similarity.

References:
i. https://research-methodology.net
ii. https://www.questionpro.com
iii. dissertation.laerd.com
iv. http://www.researchscape.com/blog/12-types-of-non-probability-sampling
v. https://explorable.com/sequential-sampling
vi. https://www.statisticshowto.datasciencecentral.com/non-probability-sampling