An introduction to sampling methodsWhen you conduct research about a group of people, it’s rarely possible to collect data from every person in that group. Instead, you select a sample. The sample is the group of individuals who will actually participate in the research.
To draw valid conclusions from your results, you have to carefully decide how you will select a sample that is representative of the group as a whole. There are two types of sampling methods:
1. Probability sampling involves random selection, allowing you to make statistical inferences about the whole group.
2. Non-probability sampling involves non-random selection based on convenience or other criteria, allowing you to easily collect initial data.
You should clearly explain how you selected your sample in the methodology section of your paper or thesis.
