Best Sampling Methods You Can Use for Your Graduate Dissertation

In a graduate dissertation, population and research sample are two important terms. A population is a group of people that share the same traits. The sample is the subset of the population. To conduct a research study, you cannot study the whole population. Therefore, you should aim to sample the participants from the given population. Do you know about the best sampling methods that can be used for your graduate dissertation? No! In today’s article, we will learn about those methods. So, let’s get started with the topic.

Best sampling methods for your graduate dissertation

When you conduct research on a population, it is almost impossible to collect data from each person in the population. It will take a lot of time. Therefore, the researchers use different sampling methods and select only a handful amount of participants to study. There are two types of sampling methods.

  • Probability sampling. In this method, the researcher uses statistical methods to choose the research sample.
  • Non-probability sampling. This method does not involve the use of statistical techniques. It is based on the convenience of selecting samples and other criteria.

Hence, these are the two major types of sampling that are used widely in research studies. There are several other methods that fall under these two types. It is now time to discuss those best methods. So, let’s discuss them one by one.

Probability sampling methods

Probability sampling means that every sample in the population has an equal chance of participation in the research study. The methods that fall under this type are as follows:

1. Simple random sampling

A simple random sampling method for your graduate dissertation is one that includes the whole population. When you use this method, every sample in the population becomes a contestant for the research study. To carry out this kind of sampling, you give random numbers to each sample in the population and also choose the numbers randomly.

2. Systematic sampling

The second type of probability sampling is known as systematic sampling. This sampling method is the same as simple random sampling, but not completely. In this method, you assign different numbers to the samples and then select the samples at regular intervals. For example, you choose a sample after three research samples present in the population.

3. Stratified sampling

The stratified sampling technique asks to divide the whole population into subpopulations. The subdivided populations are different from each other in some ways. For example, they can be different in age, colour, race, or ethnicity. This method brings samples from each subpopulation group, and hence it is a more true depiction of the population.

Non-Probability sampling methods

In non-probability sampling methods, the samples are selected using non-random criteria. It means there is no use of statistical methods. The methods for this kind of sampling are below:

1. Convenience sampling

The first sampling method that falls under non-probability sampling is known as convenience sampling. In this method, the researcher only selects the samples that are available conveniently. It means the researcher does not struggle a lot and chooses samples that are easy to approach and find. This is the easiest and cheapest way of sampling and collecting data for your graduate dissertation.

2. Purposive sampling

The second type of non-probability sampling is purposive sampling. It is a sampling technique that is purely based on the knowledge of the researcher. As the researcher, you select samples for your research study using your expertise and experience in this field. The samples that they choose are very close to the purposes of the research study. It is why this sampling method is called purposive sampling.

3. Snowball sampling

Snowball sampling is the third kind of non-probability sampling. This type is particularly used in cases where accessing the population is very hard. It is a kind of referral sampling in which one participant gives information about other participants. For example, finding drug traffickers and conducting a study on them is difficult. In these studies, the researcher finds one sample, and that sample then tells the researcher about the others.

4. Voluntary response sampling

The easiest of all the sampling methods is known as voluntary response sampling. In this sampling method, the researcher has nothing to do. He does not either contact the samples or asks them to join hands with him. The research participants themselves take the step and present themselves as a volunteer. However, if you still have any doubts about this method, clear them by contacting any dissertation help UK.

Conclusion

In summary, sampling is an important aspect of a graduate thesis. Without knowing the best sampling methods, you cannot study the target population. The two major sampling methods and their subtypes are described above. Go through each pattern one by one and get an understanding of how to do it. Then turn to companies like Dissertation Writing Birmingham۔