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Unit-12: Sampling

2. in Sampling Method few units are selected from the universe as representative and necessary notes
information is obtained about it. for e.g. if we want to know the thoughts of Delhi university
students about the Kashmir problem then under census method we will have to compile
information by establishing contact with all the students, whereas in sampling method few
students are selected as representative and only their study will be done. Before mentioning
sampling method, it will be appropriate to think about the census method.
stephen’s view is that before organizing regular population census, always sampling has been used.
Before 1900, sampling has been used very little in social research. Bowle in London had first used
sampling method for study of houses. today, use of sampling has become an important stage in
research and survey.

Definition and Meaning of Sampling

Various knowledgeable men have defined sampling in the following manner:
1. As per Goode and Hatt, “a sample, as is clear from the name itself, is a shorter representative
of a large group”
2. As per P.V. Young, “a statistical sample is a smaller picture of complete group or unity from
which sample is taken”.

Essential Characteristics of Representative Sample

How practical and scientific will be our inferences about social events from sampling, depends upon
perfection of our sample. Hence, for the success of study it is important that in our sample following
characteristics are there:
1. Representation of Universe: first characteristic of a perfect sample is that it represents the
whole. this is possible only when every unit of the whole has got an equal opportunity to
be incorporated in the sample. lundberg’s view is that representative sampling depends on
two things- (i) in how much quantity equality is found in the study facts. (ii) Which method
has been adopted in selection of sample?

Notes for obtaining perfect sample, it is important that uniformity is brought in units
of the whole and selection of sample is done in such a way that every unit gets an
independent and equal opportunity to be selected in the sample.

2. adequate size: for perfect sampling it is important that number of units of sample is
sufficient. As many more will be the units in sample, that much more will be the possibility
of accuracy in the results, however this is not always necessary that size of sample gives
guarantee of sample being representative. still if we have to study 10000 students and we select
only 10 students as representative sample then it cannot be expected they will appropriately
represent qualities of all students. Not only the size of sample, but its method of selection
should also be appropriate. In this reference P.V. Young has written, “Size of sample is not the
necessary insurance of its representation. small sample selected through appropriate manner
are more trustworthy in comparison to large sample selected in inappropriate manner.

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