Sampling Procedures
Sampling Procedures
There are many sampling procedures that have been developed to make sure that a sample really represents the target population.
Simple Random Sampling
In simple random sampling, every individual in the target population has an equal chance of being part of the sample. This requires two steps: 1. Obtain a complete list of the population. 2. Randomly select individuals from that list for the sample.
In a study where the unit of analysis is the student, the researcher must obtain a complete list of every student in the target population to achieve simple random sampling. This is rarely possible, so very few, if any, educational studies use simple random sampling.
Stratified Random Sampling
In stratified random sampling, the researcher first divides the population into groups based on a relevant characteristic and then selects participants within those groups. In educational research, stratified random sampling is typically used when the researcher wants to ensure that specific subgroups of people are adequately represented within the sample. Stratified random sampling requires four steps: * Determine the strata that the population will be divided into. The strata are the characteristics that the population is divided into, perhaps gender, age, urban/rural, etc. * Determine the number of participants necessary for each stratum. * Split the units of analysis into the respective strata. * Randomly sample participants from within the group. Using either the hat-and-draw method or a random number table, randomly select the requisite number of males and do the same for the females. Purposive Sampling
In purposive sampling, the researcher uses their expert judgment to select participants that are representative of the population. To do this, the researcher should consider factors that might influence the population: perhaps socio-economic status, intelligence, access to education, etc. Then the researcher
There are many sampling procedures that have been developed to make sure that a sample really represents the target population.
Simple Random Sampling
In simple random sampling, every individual in the target population has an equal chance of being part of the sample. This requires two steps: 1. Obtain a complete list of the population. 2. Randomly select individuals from that list for the sample.
In a study where the unit of analysis is the student, the researcher must obtain a complete list of every student in the target population to achieve simple random sampling. This is rarely possible, so very few, if any, educational studies use simple random sampling.
Stratified Random Sampling
In stratified random sampling, the researcher first divides the population into groups based on a relevant characteristic and then selects participants within those groups. In educational research, stratified random sampling is typically used when the researcher wants to ensure that specific subgroups of people are adequately represented within the sample. Stratified random sampling requires four steps: * Determine the strata that the population will be divided into. The strata are the characteristics that the population is divided into, perhaps gender, age, urban/rural, etc. * Determine the number of participants necessary for each stratum. * Split the units of analysis into the respective strata. * Randomly sample participants from within the group. Using either the hat-and-draw method or a random number table, randomly select the requisite number of males and do the same for the females. Purposive Sampling
In purposive sampling, the researcher uses their expert judgment to select participants that are representative of the population. To do this, the researcher should consider factors that might influence the population: perhaps socio-economic status, intelligence, access to education, etc. Then the researcher