Probability and Non-Probability Sampling

Sampling
When conducting research, there were times when it is not possible to gather
data from every member of that group. This is where sampling comes in. Sampling
is a method of selecting participants (samples) in your study from the total
population.

✔ The population is
the entire group you want to
study and draw conclusions
✔ The sample is the
specific group of individuals
that you will collect data
from

Why is sampling important in doing a research? Every researcher like you

faces challenges when working on a project. Most of the time, student-
researchers have limited resources but wanted to gather reliable data. With
sampling, you will:
• save time;
• save money; and • save effort.

To draw valid conclusions from results, carefully decide how to select the
participants that is representative of the population. The number of individuals or
observations included in an experiment is called sample size. It can be determined
using non-scientific and scientific procedures. Some uses a certain percentage of the
total population while some prefer to use complex formulas to determine the exact
number of samples.

There are two methods of sampling methods: probability sampling and

nonprobability sampling.

Probability Sampling

Probability sampling utilizes random sampling techniques to select

individuals to create sample. It is also known as random sampling. Every member
of a population has an equal chance of being selected. That is why this method of
sampling assures that a sample is truly a representation of the whole population.

Goal of Probability sampling: to obtain a sample that is truly

representative of the population of interest

Photo was made in Avatoon App

 Let us define first what is a sampling frame. It is a list of all the items in your
population from which the sample is selected. It is a complete list of everything or
everyone you want to include in your study. This will provide a means in selecting
the sample.

There are five types of Probability sampling techniques: (1) simple random
sampling; (2) stratified random sampling; (3) systematic sampling; (4) cluster random
sampling; and (5) multi-stage random sampling. Let us take a closer look at each
technique.

1. Simple Random Sampling

In a simple random sampling, every member of the population has an equal
chance of being selected in the study. Your sampling frame should include the
whole population.
The participants
selected for the
study would be
determined through
some kind of “random”
process, such as
assigning a number to
every member of the
population and picking
the numbers out of a
bowl or using a table of
randomly generated
numbers.

For example, you want to select a simple random sample of 50 Grade 9 STE
students from Angeles City. Assuming there are 310 Grade 9 STE students in the
Angeles City. You assign a number to every Grade 9 STE student from 1 to 310 and
use a random generator to select 50 numbers.

2. Stratified Random Sampling

Stratified random sampling involves randomly selecting individuals from

subgroups of the population to ensure those groups are appropriately represented
in the study sample.
 The population is
divided into subgroups
(strata) based on the
important
characteristics like
gender, age, job or any
relevant attributes
related to your study.
Based on the overall
proportions of the
population, you
determine how many
individuals should be
selected from each
stratum. Then you use random or systematic sampling to select a sample from each
stratum.

For example, the company has 700 female employees and 300 male
employees. You want to ensure that the sample reflects the gender balance of the
company, so you sort the population into two strata based on gender. Then you use
random sampling on each group, selecting 70 women and 30 men, which gives you
a representative sample of 100 people.

3. Systematic Sampling

In systematic sampling, every member of the population is listed with a

number and individuals are chosen at regular intervals. You choose every “nth”
participant from a complete
list.

For example, all

Grade 7 students of
Angeles City National High
School are listed in
alphabetical order. From
the first 10 numbers, you
randomly select a starting
point: number 6. From
number 6 onwards, every
10th person on the list is
selected (6, 16, 26, 36, and
so on), and you end up with a sample of 100 people.

4. Cluster Random Sampling

 Cluster Random
Sampling is a technique to
randomly select participants
that are scattered
geographically and too large for
simple random sampling. Let
us say you want to choose only
1,000 Filipinos from the entire
Philippines, it is not possible to
make a list of all Filipinos.
Instead, you may randomly
select areas like cities or
provinces.
For example, A university has 12 campuses across the country. If you cannot
travel to every campus to gather data, you may use random sampling to choose 3
campuses that you may include in your study.

5. Multi-Stage Random Sampling

The multi-stage random sampling uses a combination of any of the four

probability sampling techniques. It is normally applicable for big queries of
geographical area like the entire country.

Steps in selecting samples using probability sampling:

1. Select your population
2. Establish a suitable sampling frame
3. Choose the technique you will utilize to create sample

4. Start your survey or collecting data

Non-Probability Sampling
The second type of sampling is non-probability which is the opposite of the
first one. This involves non-random techniques based on convenience or other
criteria set by the researcher. Since it does not involve random processes in selecting
participants, the members of the population will not have an equal chance of being
selected.

For instance, the population of your interest is Filipino senior citizens, but you
only selected the senior citizens in your barangay. Your sample would be
nonprobability because senior citizens from other barangays have no chance to
participate in your study.
There are four commonly used non-probability sampling: (1) convenience
sampling; (2) purposive sampling; (3) quota sampling; and (4) snowball sampling.
 Non-probability sampling

Advantages: cost effective, efficient and ease of use

Disadvantage: cannot determine if the sample is a representation of the
population

Photo was made in Avatoon App.

1. Convenience Sampling
From its name,
convenience sampling
involves selecting of sample
convenient to you. You
may include in your
sample the individuals
that are accessible to
you. It is easy to use and
cost-effective technique but
there is no assurance that
your sample is a
representative of your
chosen population.
For example, you want
to know the opinions of the students in your school regarding the implementation of
the Zero Waste Management. You ask your fellow students to complete a survey
after your class. You surveyed only the students in your class and those nearby you.

2. Purposive Sampling

Purposive sampling technique involves you using your own

judgement to select a
JUDGMENTAL SAMPLING
sample who will provide
the best information to
the purposes of the study.
In order to come up with an
effective sample, you must
set clear criteria in
choosing the participants.
This is also called
Judgmental sampling.
For example, you are
interested about the
challenges encountered by teenage mothers in your school. You purposefully select
a number of teenage mothers that are studying in your school to gather data.
3. Quota Sampling

What comes into

your mind when you hear
the word quota? In quota
sampling, you set a
standard that will be your
basis in selecting the
participants. The
sample is created based
on specific
characteristics like
gender, age and others.
Creating sample with this
technique is timeefficient
and entirely non-random.
Study the diagram, what are the standards set by the researcher?

For example, the list of Grade 9 students in your school has an almost perfect
split between males and females. This means that the representative sample of Grade
9 students in 50% male and 50% female. If your sample is composed of 150 Grade
9 students, then 75 responses from male grade 9 students and 75 responses from
female grade 9 students will be your target.

4. Snowball Sampling
If the population of your interest is hard to locate, the snowball
sampling technique may be
utilized to recruit
participants through other
participants. You may
contact few individuals
who will direct you to other
groups. The process will
go on and on like a
snowball increasing in size
until you collect enough
responses for your study.
This is also
known as the chain-referral
sampling technique.

For example, you are conducting a study about illegal drug users. You will
meet one individual who is willing to participate in your study and then that
individual will help you contact with other illegal drug users that he knows in his
area.

Differences of probability sampling and non-probability sampling.

 Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling

● Samples are selected on the basis of

● The samples are randomly selected.
● Everyone in the population has an
equal chance of getting selected.
● Researchers use this technique
when they want to keep a tab on
sampling bias.
the researcher’s subjective
judgment.
● Not everyone has an equal chance to
participate.
● Sampling bias is not a concern for
the researcher.

● Useful in an environment having a ● Useful in an environment that shares

diverse population. similar traits.
● This method does not help in
● Used when the researcher wants to
representing the population
create accurate samples. accurately.
● Finding the correct audience is not
● Finding an audience is very simple.
simple.

How will you select the appropriate sampling technique? ✓ Plan

and list your research objectives.
ü Identify the potential sampling techniques that may help achieve your
research objectives.
ü Analyze each technique on how it can help you create your sample.
ü Select the technique that is suitable in attaining your research objectives.
Photo was made in
Avatoon App.