Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Sampling in Research





1. Probability Sampling 

Probability samples are selected in such a way as to be representative of the population. They provide the most valid or credible results because they reflect the characteristics of the population from which they are selected (e.g., residents of a particular community, students at an elementary school, etc.
सम्भाव्य नमुना छनोट भन्नाले त्यस्तो नमुना छनोटलाई जनाऊँछ अनुसन्धान गरिनु पर्ने सम्पूर्ण जनसंख्यामा प्रत्येक एकाइको नमुनाका रुपमा छनोट हुने सम्भावना बराबर रहन्छ l 

Types of  Probability sampling 
  1. Simple Random sample-सामान्य नमुना छनोट
In the simple random method, the samples are selected out of the population in such a way that the chance of each and every unit of the population to be selected as a sample is equal. For that, the selector uses the computerized random number selector program or a simple lottery system. Once a number is selected, it has no chance to be selected twice.
सामान्य नमुना छनोट मा अनुसन्धान कर्ताले सम्पूर्ण
एकाईहरुलाई शुरुमा अंकित (Marking) गर्दछ र त्यस पछि गोला प्रथा  द्वारा आफुलाई चाहिने संख्यामा नमुना चयन गर्दछ l अंकित (Marking) गरिने हुनाले यसरि छानिने नमुनाहरु एकपटक छानिएपछि दोहोरिने सम्भावना रहँदैन l  




  1. Systematic Random sample-व्यवस्थित नमुना छनोट
 While selecting sample through systematic method, every unit of the population is numbered and then first number is selected randomly, then every Nth number is selected as a mathematical system. The interval among each sample happens to be the same in this process.
सामान्य नमुना छनोटमा अनुसन्धानकर्ताले सम्पूर्ण एकाई हरुलाई शुरुमा अंकित (Marking) गर्दछ र त्यस पछि पहिलो अंक आफैंले छानेर अंक गणितीय हिसाबले निश्चित अन्तराल को अंक हरु चाह्निन्छ, यसरि गणितीय हिसाबले छानिने भएकोले यसलाई भनिएको हो  






  1. Stratified sample
A stratified sample is a mini-reproduction of the population. Before sampling, the population is divided into characteristics of importance for the research. For example, by gender, social class, education level, religion, etc. Then the population is randomly sampled within each category or stratum. If 38% of the population is college-educated, then 38% of the sample is randomly selected from the college-educated population.  


  1. Cluster Sampling
The process of randomly selecting intact groups, not individuals, within the defined population sharing similar characteristics. Clusters are locations within which an intact group of members of the population can be found: For example: Neighbours, Schools, Classrooms etc.


  
2. Non Probability sampling 

As they are not truly representative, non-probability samples are less desirable than probability samples. However, a researcher may not be able to obtain a random or stratified sample, or it may be too expensive. A researcher may not care about generalizing to a larger population. The validity of non-probability samples can be increased by trying to approximate random selection, and by eliminating as many sources of bias as possible.

Types of  Non-Probability sampling 

1. Quota sample

The defining characteristic of a quota sample is that the researcher deliberately sets the proportions of levels or strata within the sample. This is generally done to insure the inclusion of a particular segment of the population. The proportions may or may not differ dramatically from the actual proportion in the population. The researcher sets a quota, independent of population characteristics.

2. Purposive Sample
A purposive sample is a non-representative subset of some larger population and is constructed to serve a very specific need or purpose. A researcher may have a specific group in mind, such as high-level business executives. It may not be possible to specify the population — they would not all be known, and access will be difficult. The researcher will attempt to zero in on the target group, interviewing whomsoever is available.
A subset of a purposive sample is a snowball sample — so named because one picks up the sample along the way, analogous to a snowball accumulating snow. A snowball sample is achieved by asking a participant to suggest someone else who might be willing or appropriate for the study. Snowball samples are particularly useful in hard-to-track populations, such as truants, drug users, etc.

Convenience sample

A convenience sample is a matter of taking what you can get. It is an accidental sample. Although selection may be unguided, it probably is not random, using the correct definition of everyone in the population having an equal chance of being selected. Volunteers would constitute a convenience sample.       Non-probability samples are limited with regard to generalization. Because they do not truly represent a population, we cannot make valid inferences about the larger group from which they are drawn. Validity can be increased by approximating random selection as much as possible and making every attempt to avoid introducing bias into sample selection.

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