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Unit-12: Sampling

(d) It may also happen that in a unit such mixed attributes are present that it becomes difficult to notes
decide in which category should it be kept. in such situation despite categories being made,
division of units is a problem.
precautions—While selecting stratified samples, following things should be taken care of:
(i) Sub-samples or categories that are created, their size should be sufficient so that from them
units may be chosen through a method of selecting random sample.
(ii) General knowledge of researcher about the universe should be at least such that he should
know which attributes are there in the universe, based on which universe is divided in
categories or sub-samples.
(iii) Categories must be created in such a way that there is homogeneity in all the units coming
under the category and they represent only one attribute of the universe.
(iv) As far as possible, only as many units must be selected from each category in which ratio of
total units of the category are there in the universe.
(v) Categories must be clear and definite so that all units of the universe come under some or
the other category and no unit falls in more than one category.
(vi) Bases of creation of various categories should be the nature of study-subject. As is the problem
or subject, according to that only universe should be divided in various sub-samples.

Other Types of Sampling

other than the above-mentioned three main types of sampling, a few other types of samplings may
also be mentioned here:
4. Multistage Sampling—It is used in selection sample from very big study-fields. It is also called
multistage sampling because in it process of sample selection passes through many stages. these
stages are mentioned below:
(a) In first stage, complete study-field or country or province is divided in homogenous areas.
As far as possible, these areas must be of equal area and there should be maximum similarity
in residents of each area.
(b) in second stage from each area few villages or cities, that need to be studied, are selected on
the basis of method of selecting random samples.
(c) in third stage from each village or city selected in second stage, few family groups are selected
on the basis of method of selecting random sample.
(d) in the last stage, from the above selected family groups, few families are selected through
the method of selecting random sample.
In this way it is clear that multistage sampling is a mixed form of stratified sampling and random
sampling and if sufficient precautions are taken then in it, benefits of both the above methods can
be obtained.
5. Convenience Sampling—it is clear from the name of convenience sampling that in it researcher
selects the sample as per his convenience. researcher, before selecting the sample, keeping in mind
subjects like the availability of money, time, source list, capability to establish contact with the units
etc., as is the facility as per that selects the sample. that is why it is also known as irregular, incidental,
opportunist sampling. It is quiet unscientific because in it bias or false-inclination may enter to any
extent. Still while studying very big fields, its support is only taken. When there is no complete
knowledge about the universe, when units of sample are not clear and when complete source-list is
not available then such kind of sampling becomes useful.

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