Sampling and population

The Process of Creating New Knowledge

The process of creating new knowledge through scientific research can assist in understanding and explaining various cognitive processes. The degree of impartiality, accuracy, and demonstrability serve as its distinguishing features. The two components of each scientific study must be the theoretical and empirical aspects. The theories or hypotheses that aid in the explanation of the subject matter are the main focus of the theoretical section. It is mostly used in situations where there is actual data from other studies conducted by various academics. The main component of a scientific research includes the statement of the problem, analysis of available information, methods to be used in solving the problem, formation of the working hypothesis, analysis of the assumptions and planning and organizing of the experiment. All these areas play a significant role in ensuring that an in-depth research is achieved. However, this study will focus on defining the population in research as well as choosing a sample.

Understanding Research Population

In scientific research, a population is an extensive collection of individuals or different objects which are the primary focus of the query. The main aim of the researchers is usually to conduct the research for the benefit of the chosen population. Due to the large sizes of the population being investigated, most researchers opt to use a portion of the same (Ritchie et al., 2013). This aspect is because using the entire population would be too expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, research population can also be defined as a collection of object or individuals that are known to have similar characteristics. Usually, the description used for the target and the binding characteristics or traits of the members are the same.

The Population and Sample in Research

In research, the population can be divided into two; the target and accessible populaces. The target population usually refers to the entire group of objects or individuals which the researchers are interested. The conclusions of the target population are usually generalized. The accessible population, on the other hand, is the populace in the research in which researchers can apply the theoretical findings. It is a subset of the general population and can also be called the study population. Moreover, it is from the accessible population that the researcher can draw their samples.

Sampling Techniques

A sample is defined as a subset of a population that is selected for observation or questioning, measurement and to provide statistical information about a given population. Different forms of a sample can be used in research due to the diverse nature of the study and the subject matter being considered (Rossi et al., 2013). Some of the sampling techniques include a random sample, stratified sample, quota sample, purposive sample and the convenience sample.

Random Sample

In a random sample, object in the sample has an equal opportunity of being selected.

Stratified Sample

The stratified sample is where a researcher divides the population into groups based on the characteristics from where the researcher will choose based on the size of the group. It can be useful if the researcher is interested in studying a particular group of people from the sample available (Rossi et al., 2013).

Quota Sample

In quota sampling, the researcher sets a requirement that will ensure that only a particular group is investigated.

Convenience Sample

In convenience sampling, the sample is selected based on the ease of accessibility by the researcher.

Population and Sample in Research

In research, therefore, population and sample are used to denote to different phenomenon based on their sizes. The concept of samples arises from the inability of the researcher to test the entire population due to time consumption and the cost.

References

Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., Nicholls, C. M., & Ormston, R. (Eds.). (2013). Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers. Sage.

Rossi, P. H., Wright, J. D., & Anderson, A. B. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of survey research. Academic Press.