AN INTRODUCTION TO SAMPLING

 The researches in the field of behavioral sciences are either experimental or non-experimental and aims to draw inferences about certain specific and prominent group by conducting applicable form of measurements. These 'specific' and 'prominent' groups are termed as 'POPULATION'. Therefore, a population can be defined as any distinguished and clearly defined or described group of individuals. For example; "all college students", "all parents" etc.

Population can be segregated into two types -

FINITE POPULATION: The group whose members are easily countable.

INFINITE POPULATION: The group whose size is large, so the total number of members are uncountable.

In case of performing researches, the researchers reach to the conclusions often relying on a smaller 'experience' or SAMPLE. They take a relatively small sample of the population or universe they want to draw the inference upon.

So ,"Sampling is taking any portion of a population or universe, as representative of that population or universe". (Kerlinger; 1964)

According to Kothari and Garg, "Sampling is defined as the selection of some part of an aggregate or totality on the basis of which a judgement or inference about the aggregate or totality is made".

In other words, sampling is simply gathering information about a distinguished and well-defined group by only studying a portion of it.

Thus, a sample is a representation of all characteristics of a population. The selection method of the sampling technique is called SAMPLE DESIGN.

PURPOSES OF SAMPLING: 

◘ Sampling is economical in nature, as it gives a speedy result within lesser time and involving lesser resources.

◘ In case of infinite population, sampling is inevitable.

◘ The method of sampling helps in gathering facts about the nature of the target population.

◘ Sampling designs provide accurate measurements.

TYPES OF SAMPLING: 

REFERENCES:

Kerlinger, F. N. (1966). Foundations of behavioral research. 

Kothari, C., & Garg, G. (2014). Research Methodology: Methods and Strategy. New age international.

Singh, A. K. (2015). Tests, measurements and research methods in behavioural sciences. Bharati Bhawan.