What is Sample Method?

What is Sample Method?

The method of collecting data from a population, regarding a sample on a group of items and examining it to draw out some conclusion, is known as Sample Method. This method is even used in the day-to-day lives of people. For example, a cook takes a spoon of pulses to check whether the whole pulse is evenly cooked. The sampling method of collecting data is suitable for a large population and when the investigator does not require a high level of accuracy. It is also preferred by investigators when they do not need an intensive examination of items....

Methods of Sampling

1. Random Sampling...

1. Random Sampling

As the name suggests, in this method of sampling, the data is collected at random. It means that every item of the universe has an equal chance of getting selected for the investigation purpose. In other words, each item has an equal probability of being in the sample, which makes the method impartial. As there is no control of the investigator in selecting the sample, the random sampling method is used for homogeneous items. As there is no tool or a large number of people required for collecting data through random sampling, this method is economical. There are two ways of collecting data through the random sampling method. These are the Lottery Method and Tables of Random Numbers....

2. Purposive or Deliberate Sampling

The method in which the investigator himself selects the sample of his choice, which in his opinion is best to represent the universe, is known as Purposive or Deliberate Sampling. It means that the probability of an item getting selected is not equal as the sample is selected by choice. This method is suitable under situations when there are some items in the universe whose involvement or selection in the sample is important....

3. Stratified or Mixed Sampling

A sampling method which is suitable at times when the population has different groups with different characteristics and an investigation is to be performed on them is known as Stratified or Mixed Sampling. In other words, Stratified or Mixed Sampling is a method in which the population is divided into different groups, also known as strata with different characteristics, and from those strata some of the items are selected to represent the population. The investigator while forming strata has to ensure that each of the stratum is represented in a correct proportion....

4. Systematic Sampling

According to the Systematic Sampling Method of collecting data, different units of the population are systematically arranged in numerical, alphabetical, and geographical order. To form a sample, every nth term or item of the numbered items is selected. This method is a short-cut method of collecting data through the Random Sampling method....

5. Quota Sampling

In the Quota Sampling Method of collecting data, the entire population is divided into different classes or groups. It is done on the basis of the different characteristics of the given population. The investigator fixes some percentages of the different groups with different characteristics of the total population. After that, he fixes some quota of the items for each of the selected segregated groups. At last, to form a sample, the investigator has to select a fixed number of items from each of the segregated groups....

6. Convenience Sampling

As the name suggests, Convenience Sampling is a method of collecting data in which the investigator selects the items from the population that suits his convenience....

Methods of Sampling – FAQs

What is sampling?...