Running head: SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS 1

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Sampling is a statistical technique in which a predetermined number of items or members is

selected from a larger population to make statistical inferences(Elfil & Negida,2017). Different

sampling methods are used, and this is dependent on the type of analysis performed. Sampling

methods are classified as either probability and non-probability. In probability sampling,

members of a population are selected at random based on a given criterion, and they all have

an equal chance of being selected. In Non-probability sampling, the population members are

chosen at random but are not based on a given criterion. The members of the population do

not have an equal chance of being selected. Probability sampling techniques include random

sampling, stratified sampling and systematic sampling. Type of non-probability sampling

includes snowball, quota, judgment and convenience sampling. The main advantage of

probability sampling is the sampling error can be calculated.

Sampling bias occurs when some members of a population have a higher chance of being

selected than others(Elfil & Negida,2017). The generalizability of research findings is limited by

sampling bias. This means that a sample is generalized if its characterized similar to the

population it has been selected from. The research design and data collection method used can

lead to sampling bias. Sampling bias occurs in both probability and non-probability sampling. In

probability sampling, the risk of sampling bias is reduced, but it is not completely eliminated. If

your sample frame does not have characteristics with the population, this will result in a biased

sample. In a non-probability sample, items are selected based on criteria that are not random.

For example, in inconvenience sampling, members are chosen because they are available or

accessible. Sampling bias is common because some members have a higher chance of being

selected than others. There are different types of sampling bias. These include self-selection.
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People with certain characteristics are more willing to participate in a particular study than

others. Non-response. This occurs when some people refuse or drop out of a study. Under

coverage. Some members of a population are not adequately represented in a study.

Survivorship. Successful observations are represented in the sample compared to those that are

unsuccessful. Pre-screening. Members that possess certain characteristics are allowed to be

part of the study. Healthy user. Volunteers that are healthy are more likely to pursue health-

boosting habits compared to others members of the population.

Sampling is something that every clinician must consider when trying to incorporate evidence.

The type of sampling design used will ultimately affect the validity and reliability of the results.

The wrong sampling technique introduces errors in the final findings, and a wrong conclusion

will be made, which may have far-reaching implications on the entire population.

The primary goal of data analysis is to present data that is accurate and reliable. The research

must endeavor to avoid statistical errors by findings ways to deal with outliers and missing

data. Analysis is used to summarize data in a manner that is understood so that conclusions are

made. The researcher needs to understand data analysis because they can easily determine if

the technique used is appropriate for the selected sample.

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References

Elfil, M., & Negida, A. (2017). Sampling methods in Clinical Research; an Educational

Review. Emergency (Tehran, Iran), 5(1), e52.