SAMPLING DESIGNS

INTRODUCTION

Sampling design refers to the rules and procedures by which elements of the population are
included in the sample.

TWO MAJOR CATEGORIES OF SAMPLING DESIGNS

1. Probability sampling
2. Non-probability sampling

PROBABILITY SAMPLING

A sampling technique that uses randomization to make sure that every element of the
population gets an equal chance of being selected to form the sample.

Types of probability sampling methods

1. Simple random sampling

Every element should have an equal chance of getting selected. It is used when you
don’t have any kind of prior information about the target population. For example in a
random selection of 20 students from a class of 50 students, each student has an equal
chance of getting selected.

2. Stratified sampling
The technique divides the elements of population into small sub-groups based on
similarity .The elements within the group can either be homogeneous or
heterogeneous.

3. Cluster sampling
The population is divided into sections which are identified using details such as sex,
age and location and then the clusters are randomly selected.
Cluster sampling can be done in the following ways:
a) Single stage cluster sampling -- the entire cluster is randomly selected for
sampling.
b) Two stage cluster sampling -- clusters are randomly selected first and then from
those clusters elements are randomly selected for sampling
c) Systematic clustering --The selection of elements is systematic and not random
except the first element. Elements of a sample are chosen at regular intervals of
population. All the elements are put together in a sequence first where each
element has the equal chance of being selected.

4. Multi-stage sampling
It is the combination of one or more methods. Population is divided into multiple
clusters and then these clusters are further divided and grouped into various subgroups
(strata) based on similarity. One or more clusters can be randomly selected from each
stratum.
NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING

It does not rely on randomisation. This technique is more reliant on the researcher’s ability to
select elements for a sample. Outcome of sampling might be biased and makes it difficult for
all the elements of population to be part of the sample equally. This type of sampling is also
known as non-random sampling.

Types of non-probability sampling methods

1. Quota Sampling
This type of sampling depends on some pre-set standards. It selects the representative
sample from the population. Proportion of characteristics/trait in sample should be the
same as population. Elements are selected until exact proportions of certain types of
data are obtained or sufficient data in different categories is collected.

2. Referral/Snowball Sampling
This technique is used in the situations where the population is completely unknown
and rare. Therefore we will take the help from the first element which we select for
the population and ask him to recommend other elements who will fit the description
of the sample needed. This referral technique goes on increasing the size of
population like a snowball.

3. Judgment Sampling/Purposive/Modal Instance Sampling

The units are selected using the characteristics of the interest

4. Convenience Sampling
Selection of subjects is based on availability.

5. Haphazard Sampling
This is where a researcher chooses items haphazardly, trying to simulate randomness.
However, the result may not be random at all and is often tainted by selection bias.

6. Expert Sampling
In this method, the researcher draws the sample from a list of experts in the field.

7. Heterogeneity Sampling/ Diversity Sampling

This is a type of sampling where you deliberately choose members so that all views
are represented. However, those views may not be represented proportionally.