Page 92 - DSOC404_METHODOLOGY_OF_SOCIAL_RESEARCH_ENGLISH

Methodology of Social Research

notes 3. free from bias: A perfect sample should be free from bias and first suggestion else it cannot
claim to be representative. While selecting sample must be kept in mind that is on interest,
selfishness, ease and will of researcher nor should it have any effects of pre-determination
or carelessness of the researcher.
4. according to resources: representative sample is that which is in accordance with the
resources available with the researcher. only by keeping in mind the resources, number, type
and selection method of sample must be determined. if sample is not as per the resources,
than there is possibility of bias.
5. according to aims: A perfect sample is that which is in accordance with the aim of research.
For e.g. if we are studying the financial- social condition of bidi workers of Byawar city, and in
our sample such workers are selected who do not do the job of Bidi making, our sample will
be wasted. Hence, for best sampling it is important that it is based on the aim of research.
6. Based on General Knowledge and Logic: A best sample is that which is based on general
knowledge and reason. sample should meet the criterion of reason. A perfect sample cannot
be selected only by blindly following the formulae and rules. Along with rules and formulae,
in selection of sample, researcher has to use reason and general knowledge also.
7. Based on Practical Experiences: for selecting a best sample, we must make use of the
experiences of experienced researchers. If, the field of which we are doing the research,
someone else has also done its research in the past, we should take the benefit of his
experiences. in the same manner, if any research of the same nature has been done then
benefit may be taken from its reports and sample bases.
8. Independence: All units of the whole should be independent in themselves, i.e. inclusion of
one unit in the sample must not be dependent on the other unit. in other words, every unit of
the whole should get an independent and equal opportunity to be included in the sample.

Procedure of Sample Selection

Procedure of sample selection is also an aspect of perfect sampling. it is a technical process for which
experienced and trained persons are required. for sample selection we have to go through the
following process:
Determination of universe: From which group or field, sample is selected it is called universe. The
first step of taking a sample is – determining the universe. Universe can be of two types—Definite or
Indefinite. In definite universe, number of units, population of village or city and geographical limits
are decided. for e.g. number of students of a university and population and geographical limits of a
village or city are definite. In such universe we can know the units definitely but many times, units
of universe are undetermined. for e.g., those who use Lux soap, numbers of readers of sarita are
indefinite. There is no geographical limit of indefinite universe. The reason of indefiniteness of such
universe is its constant variability. Hence, before selecting the sample, we must determine the universe.
our universe can be any geographical unit, village, city, institution, group or social event.

Bases of Sampling

the question arises that in sampling, how come small numbers of units are considered to be the
representative of the universe. its root bases are listed below:
1. homogeneity of universe: Apparently we can see much dissimilarity between people and
facts, even, two things made in a factory are not absolutely similar and two twin brothers
are also not similar, still if we think over carefully, we will know that in this diversity

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