Sampling Sampling
SAMPLING 1
Sampling
Sampling
In research methods, there are various safeguards applicable toensure that the sample accurately represents the entire populationunder study. One of the safeguards is ensuring that the selectionprocess is application of randomization as a priority to eliminateselection bias. Through prioritizing randomization, researchers makesure they have an accurate and exhaustive list of all populationunder study and then embark on the selection process through theapplication of a random sample (Mathews & Ross, 2014). In orderto eliminate sampling error, researchers also ensure that they uselarge samples. However, it is important to note that there are timeswhen researchers cannot get an exhaustive list of the entirepopulation. In order to safeguard against inaccuracies, theresearchers must find a list that is almost as representative as theoriginal population as possible using different data collectionmethods like government databases (Mathews & Ross, 2014).
To ensure that therandom sample is accurate, the selection process must emphasizerandomness. For this to be possible, it is important to choose aselection process that entails randomness. This is a situation wherethe selected members of the population and the researcher do not knowwho will be used for the research. However, this may present achallenge associated with the fact all members of the populationqualify through the inclusion criteria. Various strategies areapplicable in enhancing randomness. One strategy is the manuallottery system where researches assign every member of the populationa unique number. The next is conducting a draw conducted randomly toidentify the random sample. The other strategy involves usingcomputer software to automate the process. A computer programrandomly selects the sample population from the larger population. However, for the two strategies to work, the researcher must have alist that represents the entire population.
Conclusion
Random sampling isan accurate method of sampling. However, there are safeguards thatresearchers must apply in order to ascertain their accuracy. Thesesafeguards include prioritizing randomness and having an exhaustivelist of the population subjects.
References
Matthews, B., &Ross, L. (2014). Research methods. London: Pearson Higher Ed,pp. 26 – 56.
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