Which one of the following sampling procedures illustrates nonprobability sampling?

In non-probability sampling (also known as non-random sampling) not all members of the population have a chance to participate in the study. In other words, this method is based on non-random selection criteria. This is contrary to probability sampling, where each member of the population has a known, non-zero chance of being selected to participate in the study.

Necessity for non-probability sampling can be explained in a way that for some studies it is not feasible to draw a random probability-based sample of the population due to time and/or cost considerations. In these cases, sample group members have to be selected on the basis of accessibility or personal judgment of the researcher. Therefore, the majority of non-probability sampling techniques include an element of subjective judgement. Non-probability sampling is the most helpful for exploratory stages of studies such as a pilot survey.

The issue of sample size in non-probability sampling is rather ambiguous and needs to reflect a wide range of research-specific factors in each case. Nevertheless, there are some considerations about the minimum sample sizes in non-probability sampling as illustrated in the table below:

Nature of study Minimum sample size
Semi-structured, in-depth interviews 5 – 25
Ethnographic 35 – 36
Grounded theory 20 – 35
Considering a homogeneous population 4 – 12
Considering a heterogeneous population 12 – 30

Sizes of non-probability sampling[1]

The following is the list of the most popular non-probability sampling methods and their brief descriptions:

Non-probability sampling method Description
Judgement Sampling (Purposive Sampling) Researcher chooses samples purely on the basis of her knowledge and credibility
Quota sampling Researcher chooses sample group members on the basis of their shared traits or characteristics
Convenience sampling Researcher chooses population members that are conveniently available to her.
Voluntary response sampling Respondents voluntarily choose to participate in a study, usually through an online survey
Snowball sampling Initially chosen sample group members help researcher to find new members
Consecutive sampling Researcher selects a sample or group and after data collection and analysis moves to another sample

 Non-probability sampling methods

Advantages of Non-Probability Sampling

  1. Possibility to reflect the descriptive comments about the sample
  2. Cost-effectiveness and time-effectiveness compared to probability sampling
  3. Effective when it is unfeasible or impractical to conduct probability sampling

Disadvantages of Non-Probability Sampling

  1. Unknown proportion of the entire population is not included in the sample group i.e. lack of representation of the entire population
  2. Lower level of generalization of research findings compared to probability sampling
  3. Difficulties in estimating sampling variability and identifying possible bias

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Which one of the following sampling procedures illustrates nonprobability sampling?

[1] Source: Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2012) “Research Methods for Business Students” 6th edition, Pearson Education Limited

Which of the following sampling procedures will be appropriate for conducting researches with empirico-inductive research paradigm?

  1. Simple random sampling procedure
  2. Systematic sampling procedure
  3. Stratified sampling procedure
  4. Any of the non-probability sampling procedures

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Any of the non-probability sampling procedures

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To be able to generalize the research findings of a study to the wider population, we select a sample, so that we can generalize our findings from the sample for the population. The concept of sampling involves selecting a portion (sample) from a bigger group (the sampling population).

Types of Sampling in Research:

  1. Random/Probability Sampling: In this type, each element in the population has an equal and independent chance of selection in the sample. Types of probability sampling include simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, cluster sampling, etc.
  2. Non-random/Non-probability Sampling: If the goal is not to generalize to a population but obtain insights into a phenomenon, individual or an event, such as in the case of qualitative research, then a non-probability sampling is used. Types of non-random/non-probability sampling methods include accidental sampling, purposive sampling, snowball sampling, etc.

Empirico-inductive Approach/Paradigm:

  • In this paradigm, the researcher collects initial observations and consequently derive a theory that explains those observations. This process can lead to a revision of an old theory or the construction of a new one.
  • It begins with a social problem and attempts empirically to induce concepts and causal theories as the study progresses.
  • It involves the search for patterns from observation and the development of explanations, theories for those patterns through a series of hypotheses.
  • In other words, they move from data to theory or from the specific to the general. This type of research approach has been termed as the “grounded theory” approach.
  • It is based on the assumption that the investigator wants to discover, understand and gain insight and therefore must select a sample from which the most must be learned, any of the non-probability sampling methods.

Which one of the following sampling procedures illustrates nonprobability sampling?

NOTE:

  • Hypothetico-deductive: In this paradigm, the researchers devise hypotheses based on their existing theory and then design a research strategy to test the hypotheses. It explores a known theory or phenomenon and tests if that theory is valid in given circumstances. A certain theory is replaced if it contradicts a different theory which is better.

Which one of the following sampling procedures illustrates nonprobability sampling?

Hence, it is clear that any of the non-probability sampling procedures will be appropriate for conducting researches with empirical-inductive research paradigm.

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Which of the following is a sampling procedure?

Types of Sampling in Research: Random/Probability Sampling: In this type, each element in the population has an equal and independent chance of selection in the sample. Types of probability sampling include simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, cluster sampling, etc.

Which Nonprobability sampling method is probably used most often quizlet?

The most commonly used sampling method in behavioural science research is probably convenience sampling. - Considered a weak form of sampling: Does not require knowledge of the population, and does not use a random process for selection.

Which of the following sampling procedure is the first thing to do?

The Sampling Process. The sampling process comprises of several stage. The first stage is defining the target population. A population can be defined as all people or items ( unit of analysis ) with the characteristics that one wishes to study.

Which of the following is an example of an attitudinal measure?

Some examples of attitudinal measures include the System Usability Scale (SUS), Customer Satisfaction (CSAT), and Net Promoter Score (NPS).