Illustrating Random Sampling

Population - includes all of its elements from a set of data, and the
size of the population is the number of observations in the
population.
Sample - consist of one or more data drawn from the population. It
is a subset or an incomplete set taken from a population of objects
or observation.
Sampling - Process of selecting number of subjects for the sample
from the elements of the population.
Reasons for sampling: when population is infinite; reduce cost;
greater speed; greater accuracy and efficiency; convenience
Random and Nonrandom Sampling
Random sampling is the most commonly used sampling technique
in which each member of the population is given an equal chance
of being selected in the sample.
Nonrandom sampling is a method of collecting a small portion of
the population which not all the members in the population are
given the chance to be included in the sample.
Sampling Techniques:
Fishbowl or lottery sampling - this is done by simply writing the
names or numbers of all the members of the population in small
rolled paper which are later placed in a bowl.
Using table of random numbers- if the population is large, a more
practical procedure is the use of table of random numbers which
contains rows and column of digits randomly ordered by a
computer.
Systematic sampling - this method of sampling is done by taking
every kth element in the population, k value can be calculated as:
Stratified random sampling - if the population can be partitioned
into several strata or subgroups, it may be wiser to employ the
stratified technique to ensure a representative of each group in the
sample.
Multistage or multiple sampling - this technique uses several
stages or phases in getting the sample from the population.
However, selection of the sample is still done at random
Nonrandom sampling techniques
Judgement or purposive sampling - this method is also referred a
nonrandom or non probability sampling. It play a major role in the
selection of a particular item and/or in making decisions in cases
of incomplete response observation
Quota sampling - this is relatively quick and inexpensive method
to operate since the choice of the number of persons or elements
to be included in the sample at the researcher’s own preference
Cluster sampling - this is sometimes referred to as an area
sampling because it is usually applied on a geographical basis.
The population is group in to a cluster or small units
Incidental sampling - this design applied to those samples which
are taken because they are most available.
Convenience sampling - this method has been widely used in
television and radio programs to find out opinions of TV viewers
and listeners regarding a controversial issue.
Snowball sampling - this method research participant recruit other
participant for a test or study. Used when participants are hard to
find.