Sampling : Introduction

Sampling is the process of selecting representative units of a

population for study in a research.
It is not possible for the researcher to study an entire population,so
the researcher selects a representative part of population through
Sampling Process
Sampling is a process of obtaining information regarding a
phenomenon about entire population by examining a part of it.
.
 Terminology used in Sampling.
• Population A research population is generally a large collection of individuals
or objects that is the main focus of a scientific query.
• Population is the aggregate of all the units,in which a researcher is
interested ,in otherwards,Population is the set of units to which the result of
research is to be generalized.
• Population refers to a total category or units of persons or objects that meet
the set criteria for study established by the researcher. Population may be
any sets of persons,objects,measurements having an observable
characteristics
Examples : A researcher needs to study the problems faced by Post graduate
nurses in India.
Here the “Population” will be all the postgraduates nurses in India
 Sampling and Population
Due to the large sizes of populations, researchers cannot test every individual in the population,
because it is time-consuming and too expensive . This is the reason for the researchers to rely
on sampling technique.
Two Types of Population in Research : Target and Accessible

1. Target Population

• Target population refers to the ENTIRE group of individuals or objects in a set criteria to
which researchers are interested in generalizing the conclusions. The target population usually
has varying characteristics and it is also known as the theoretical population.
Example : A researcher is interested to identify late Complications of Covid to the persons with
Type II DM among people in Kolkata. Here all the persons of Kolkata with Type II DM had
Covid will be “ Target Population”
Accessible Population
2. Accessible Population - It is the aggregate of cases that confirm the
designated criteria and also accesable as subjects of study
The accessible population is the population in research to which the
researchers can apply their conclusions. This population is a subset of
the target population and is also known as the study population. From
the accessible population that researchers draw their samples.
Example: A researcher is conducting a study on the Registered Nurses
working in NRSH. Here the population is all the Registered Nurses
working there. But some of them may not be present due to their
leave or any other causes. So, the accessible population will be the
Registered Nurses ,who have met the set criteria of the study and
available during the study
Sample - Sample may be defined as representatives unit of
target population, on which researcher will work during their
study. Sample consists of a subset of units which comprises
the population selected by the researcher.

Subject / Element :The sample entitites or characteristics

that comprises the sample and population are known as
Subject / Element . This is the most basic unit on which the
information are collected
Schematic presentation of sampling
Population

Target Population

Accessible Population

Sample

Subjects
Sampling Frame – It is a list of all the subjects in the population from
which the sample is selected. Sampling frame must be prepared by the
researcher or a existing frame may be used.
Example : A researcher for his /her study on Pregnant women in a
PHC,may prepare a list of all the registered Pregnant women available
t.o get care with ASHA worker.

Sampling Plan – It is specification of sampling methods,sample size and

procedures of selecting the subjects.

Sampling Bias – If any distortion arises when a sample is not

representative of population.
 Sampling

Sampling is the process of selecting individuals to partyicipate

in research. ( Fraenkel,Wallen,Hyuri,2012 )

Sampling is the process which involves taking a part of the

population, making observation on the representative group
and generalizing the findings on larger population.
(Ary,Jacob,Rozavich,2006)
 Purposes/Advantages of Sampling
• Economy in time - With sampling,researcher can save time,money,resources
to study a phenomena.
• Improved quality of data – As the number is limited, it is possible to to ensure
good quality data
• Quick study results – Study results may be generated in a specified time.
• Greater accuracy in precision of data – Sampling ensures completeness and
high degree of accuracy due to reduced volume of work
• Greater organization – Dealing with a small group rather than entire
population is easy to organized.
• Better rapport – it is possible to build up better rapport with small set of
population,this also ensures correctness of data
Characteristics of good sample
1. Imposing by size
2. Free from biasness,errors
3. No substitution
4. No incomplete coverage of the area
5. Free from random sampling errors