Sampling in Research Methodology

Introduction to Sampling

Population: The entire group being studied, e.g., all college students in India.
Sample: A subset of the population selected for the study.
Purpose: To draw conclusions about the entire population based on the sample.

Simple Random Sampling
- Sample is selected randomly from the population.
- Example: Lucky Draw.
Systematic Random Sampling
- List all individuals and select every nth individual.
- Example: From 8,000 students, select every 10th student.
Stratified Random Sampling
- Population divided into homogenous subgroups (strata).
- Random samples are taken from each group.
Cluster Sampling
- Divide population into clusters, select clusters randomly, then study all individuals within chosen clusters.
- Example: Select a few schools randomly within a city and survey all students in those schools.
Multistage Random Sampling
- Combines several sampling methods. For example, first use cluster sampling, then simple or systematic sampling within chosen clusters.

Quota Sampling
- Samples are taken according to a fixed quota to ensure proper representation of certain segments.
- Example: 51% females and 49% males in a study based on gender proportion in the population.
Judgmental (Purposive) Sampling
- Researcher uses their judgment to select the sample based on knowledge and experience.
- Example: Selecting people known to easily become angry for a stress-related study.
Convenience Sampling
- Sample is chosen based on ease of access and availability.
- Example: Surveying people readily available to the researcher.

Definition: Difference between the result obtained from the sample and the actual result in the population.
Factors Affecting Sampling Error
- Smaller sample sizes tend to have higher sampling errors.
- Increasing sample size generally reduces sampling error.

Understand the different types of sampling to choose the appropriate method for research studies.
Recognize the implications of sampling error and how to minimize it.
Review previous years' questions for better preparation for exams.