NU 515 Describe probability sampling and non-probability sampling in research
The two main categories of sampling techniques are probability and non-probability sampling. Probability sampling entails having all subjects in the target population get equal opportunities to be selected. In non-probability sampling, the sample population is chosen in a non-systematic procedure which does not guarantee equal chance for each subject in the target population (Jager et al., 2017). These sampling methods have advantages and disadvantages.
Probability sampling has several advantages that include the absence of systematic errors and mistakes as well as
sampling bias, increased levels of reliability and validity of the research outcomes and increased accuracy of the sampling error estimation. The method also provides a possibility of making inferences to the population under study. For instance, simple random sampling creates samples that are highly representative of the target population. Conversely, probability sampling is highly complicated than non-probability sampling and consumes more time (Elfil & Negida, 2017). The technique is also costly than non-probability. For instance, stratified random sampling is tedious and time consuming, particularly when using larger samples in a study. Cluster sampling require homogenous target population or selected components to enhance its validity in research results.
On its part, non-probability sampling provides several advantages that include being fast and convenient to researchers. For example, convenient sampling technique enables researchers to select research subjects at their convenience based on their interests. Further, the techniq
ue is less expensive and does not use too much time, especially the selection criteria. Non-probability sampling is also easy to use in situations where conducting probability sampling is difficult (Sharma, 2017). However, the method has demerits that include difficulty of attaining a representative population and suffering from researcher’s bias in selection criteria of the subjects. Further, it is difficult to generalize the findings from such studies to the whole population due to the selection criteria.
References
Elfil, M., & Negida, A. (2017). Sampling methods in clinical research; an educational review.
Emergency, 5(1). DOI:10.22037/emergency. v5i1.15215
Jager, J., Putnick, D. L., & Bornstein, M. H. (2017). II. More than just convenient: The scientific
merits of homogeneous convenience samples. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 82(2), 13-30. doi: 10.1111/mono.12296
Sharma, G. (2017). Pros and Cons of different sampling techniques. International Journal of
Applied Research, 3(7):749-752. https://www.allresearchjournal.com/archives/2017/vol3issue7/PartK/3-7-69-542.pdf