Sampling Techniques

Sampling

The process of selecting a representative group from the population under study

Sample

The participants selected from a target population to make generalizations about

Representative

The extent to which a sample mirrors a researcher’s target population and reflects its characteristics

Generalisability

The extent to which findings can be applied to the larger population of which the sample was a part

Volunteer sample

Participants who self-select through various means like newspaper adverts or online

Opportunity sampling

Also known as convenience sampling, using available and willing participants

Random sampling

Every person in the target population has an equal chance of being selected

Systematic sampling

Selecting participants using a system, such as picking every Nth person

Stratified sampling

Identifying subgroups and selecting participants in proportion to their occurrences

Snowball sampling

Finding initial participants who then refer more participants

Quota sampling

Ensuring the sample fits specific quotas, like a certain number of unemployed participants