MARY GRACE U.

RISMA BEED 2-A

MODULE 5: Research Sample

LESSON 1: Sample Selection

APPLICATION: Let’s Apply to What You

Learned

1. Define the following terms and concepts:

1.1 Population
-Population or universe refers to the group from which the samples
shall be drawn.
1.2 Sample
-Refers to the group from which the data have to be collected.
1.3 Sampling
-Is the process of choosing a portion of a target population the can be
the source of data for your research. It is the drawing out of samples
from the universe or population of interest.
1.4 probability sampling
-Probability sampling is defined as a sampling technique in which
the researcher chooses samples from a larger population using a
method based on the theory of probability.
1.5 Non-probability sampling?
-Non-probability sampling is defined as a sampling technique in
which the researcher selects samples based on the subjective judgment
of the researcher rather than random selection.

2. How is sampling size determined?

In determining the sample size, a researcher needs to first
determine the population where the data he/she needs can be gathered. In
this regard, the researcher has to identify the group to which he/she would
like to generalize the results of the study. After pointing out the group to
which the results of the research shall apply, the researcher has to
determine the kind of sample to be drawn from it. The researcher needs to
be sure of what criteria he/she will employ in selecting those who shall
form part of the research sample. Criteria that can be used in this respect
may be special personal characteristics like age, working experience,
performance rating, religious affiliation, educational attainment, and other
organismic variables. Once the researcher has already decided on the kind
of sample to involve in the study, the researcher has to determine the
 desired sample size. This can be done by applying the following sampling
formula:
n= N/ (1+Ne2)
Where:
n= desired sample size
N= total population
e= margin of error

3. What are the factors to consider in determining the appropriate sample size for a
study? Explain each briefly.
The factors to consider in determining the appropriate sample size
for a study are the following:
 Type of Research -correlational research should have at least 30
subjects. In research comparing groups, there should be a minimum
of 15 subjects per group.
 Research Hypothesis -if the researcher expects to find small
differences or slight relationships, it is desirable to have as large
sample as possible.
 Financial Constraints -the cost of conducting a study will limit the
number of subjects included in the sample. It is best to estimate
these costs before starting the study.
 Importance of the Results -in exploratory research, a smaller sample
size is acceptable because the researcher is willing to tolerate a
larger margin of error in the results. In researchers where large
amount of money is involved, it is imperative for the researcher to
attain a sample large enough so that error is minimized.
 Number of Variables Studied –a larger sample is needed for studies
that have many independent and dependent variables or for studies
in which uncontrollable variables are present.
 Methods of Data Collection -if methods of collecting information are
not highly accurate or consistent, a larger sample will be needed to
offset the inherent error in data collection.
 Accuracy needed -the accuracy of the results of a study is greater as
the sample size increases.
 Size of the Population -as the size of the population increases, the
researcher can take a progressively smaller percentage of the
respondents from the population.

4. How is a sample drawn in each of the following probability sampling methods:

4.1 Simple random;
This method is the best known method in drawing out a random
sample. Each member of the population has the equal probability of
 being selected as sample. Simple random sampling can be done
through any of the following ways:
 Fishbowl Technique or Lottery Method
 Roulette Wheel Method
 Use of the Table of Random Numbers

4.2 Systematic random;

This is sampling by regular interval or according to a predetermined
sequence, such that every nth of the population becomes part of the
sample. In using this method, the researcher has to determine first the
sampling interval he will use. To determine the sampling interval, the
following formula can be applied:
K= N/n
Where:
K= sampling interval
N= total population
n= the desired sample size
After determining the sampling interval, the researcher has to list all
the elements comprising the population in an arbitrary order. Every
nth and kth unit is chosen as sample. The process is repeated until the
required number of samples is obtained.

4.3 Stratified Random;

This method of drawing a random sample is used when the researcher
wants to ensure that the different groups comprising the population
are adequately represented in the sample. When using this sampling
method, the researcher has to divide the population into groups or
strata into which he wants to stratify it (e.g. age, gender, religion or
other classificatory scheme). Samples are then drawn from each group
through proportional or non-proportional stratified techniques.

4.4 Cluster Random; and

This method of drawing random samples is similar to stratified random
sampling in that groups of individuals are selected from the population
and subjects are drawn from these groups. In cluster sampling,
however, the researcher identifies convenient, naturally occurring
group units such as neighbourhoods, school districts or regions, not
individual subjects, and then randomly selects some of these units for
the study. Once the units have been selected, individuals are randomly
selected from each one. This method of sampling is used most often in
cases when it is not feasible to obtain a list of all members of the
population.
 4.5 Multi- Stage Random?
In this method of drawing random samples, the researcher first decides
on the level of analyses that will be studied. This is followed by the
determination of the sample size per stage or level. After the sample
size had been determined, samples are drawn by stage through simple
random, systematic or stratified techniques.

5. Discuss briefly the processes involved in the selection of sample in each of

the following non-probability sampling methods:
5.1 purpose sampling;
Under this method of drawing the sample, the researcher selects the
sampling units based on his subjective judgment. Those who meet the
purpose or objective of the study are those deliberately included by the
researcher in his sample.

5.2 convenience sampling;

In this sampling design, the researcher selects respondents who are
conveniently available. The process is continued until the desired
sample size is obtained.

5.3 quota sampling; and

The logic behind quota sampling is that certain characteristics describe
the dimensions of the population. If civil status, for instance, has a
bearing on the factor or characteristic the researcher wants to
measure, then quota is allotted for single, married, widowed or legally-
separated research participants based on their respective proportions
in the population. Once quotas are set, quota sampling is done by
looking for persons possessing the aforementioned characteristic.

5.4 snowball sampling

This method is used where respondents are difficult to identify and
best located through referral networks. In the initial stage of snowball
sampling, individuals are discovered and may or may not be selected
through probability methods. The group is then used to locate others
who possess similar characteristics and who, in turn, identify others.