A sample in research is a smaller, manageable group selected from a larger population to represent that population in a study. It's a subset used to make inferences about the characteristics of the entire population.
Understanding Research Samples
Choosing the right sample is crucial for reliable research. A good sample accurately reflects the characteristics of the entire population you're interested in. If your sample isn't representative, your research findings might be biased or inaccurate.
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Example: If you're researching the opinions of university students on a new policy, you wouldn't survey every student. Instead, you'd select a sample of students (perhaps 100) to represent the entire student body. The characteristics of your sample (e.g., gender, year of study, major) should ideally mirror the overall student population.
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Importance of Sampling: Sampling allows researchers to:
- Save time and resources. Studying a smaller group is more efficient than studying an entire population.
- Obtain more detailed data. Working with smaller groups can allow for more in-depth interviews or surveys.
- Make research feasible. Studying a large population is often impossible due to logistical constraints.
Types of Samples (Brief Overview)
There are various sampling methods, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some common types include:
- Probability Sampling: Every member of the population has a known chance of being selected (e.g., simple random sampling, stratified sampling). This approach enhances the generalizability of findings.
- Non-probability Sampling: The probability of selection is unknown (e.g., convenience sampling, snowball sampling). While easier to conduct, non-probability samples may not accurately represent the population.
Choosing the appropriate sampling method depends on the research question, resources, and the desired level of accuracy.
Reference: A sample is a subset of individuals from a larger population. Sampling means selecting the group that you will actually collect data from in your research. For example, if you are researching the opinions of students in your university, you could survey a sample of 100 students. (Source: Internal Reference - Date: 19-Sept-2019)
