Sampling Designs

By and large, there are two kinds of sampling designs. There are: (1) scientific sampling; and (2) non-
scientific sampling. In scientific sampling, each member in the population is given an equal chance of
being included in the sample. In non-scientific sampling, not all the members in the population are given
equal chance of being included in the sample.

Scientific Sampling

There are six types of scientific sampling. These are: (1) restricted random sampling; (2) unrestricted
random sampling; (3) stratified random sampling; (4) systematic sampling; (5) multistage sampling; and
(6) cluster sampling.

1. Restricted random sampling. This sampling design involves certain restrictions intended to improve
the validity of the sample. Nonetheless, this design is applicable only when population being studied is
homogenous. Restricted random samples drawn from homogenous population are likely to arrive at
accurate values of the characteristic population.

2. Unrestricted random sampling. This is the best random sampling design because there are no
restrictions imposed and every member of the population has equal chance of being included in the
sample.

Restricted or unrestricted random sampling is chosen either of the two techniques, namely, (1)
lottery or (2) table of random numbers

In the lottery techniques, each member in the population is assigned a number written on a
piece of paper. For instance, the population is 200. There are 200 small pieces of paper numbered 001
to 200. They are rolled, place in a box, and thoroughly shuffled. The rolled paper is drawn one at a time.
Rolled papers drawn from 1 to 148 are included as sample because the sample size of 200 is 148. The
technique is useful when the population is small.

The table of random numbers techniques consists of digits so selected that no systematic
relation exists between any sequence of digits in the table, regardless of whether the table is read
horizontally, vertically, left or right, or in other ways. To draw a sample by using table of random
numbers, a technique must be used for assigning a number to each individual in a population. For
instance, the population is 4000. Each member must be assigned an identifying number ranging from
0001 to 4000. The identifying number corresponds to the total number of population, 4000. The sample
size of 4000 is 248. To get a sample of 248 from a population of 4000, a four-digit number is randomly
drawn either horizontally, vertically, right or left, until 248 individuals are identified sample. Table of
random numbers is applicable to a large number of population.

3. Stratified random sampling. This type of scientific sampling divides first the population into two or
more strata. For each stratum, the sample items are drawn at random. For instance, an institution has
6000 students. Of these 6000 students, 4000 are females and 2000 are males. The sample size of 4000 is
248 and sample size of 2000 is 238. Hence, 248 samples are drawn by random technique from
subpopulation or stratum of females. And 238 samples are drawn from subpopulation of stratum of
males.

4. Systematic sampling. In this type, the individuals in population are arranged in a methodical manner,
that is, alphabetical, chronological (age, experience, or academic rank), or the nth name is selected as
sample. For instance, there is a population of 900 in the study. To select the sample, the 900 are
arranged either alphabetically or chronologically. They are numbered 1,2,3,4 for the first set; 1,2,3,4 for
the second set; 1,2,3,4 for the third set, and so on until the desired population, 900, are numbered by
4s. Every 4th of the set is chosen until the desired sample of 218 is reached as sample size of 900.

5. Multistage sampling. This type of scientific sampling design is done in several stages. It can be two-
stage, three-stage, four-stage, five-stage and so on depending on the number sampling to be used. In
this type, the population individuals are arrange in hierarchy of units, and sampling is done
consecutively. For example, in a nationwide study, the regions are selected as first stage; provinces,
second stage; municipalities, third stage; barangays, fourth stage. Hence, there are four stages.

6. Cluster sampling. In this type of scientific sampling design, the population is grouped into clusters or
small units. For instance, blocks or districts, in a municipality, or city composed of population individuals
are chosen either by random sampling or systematic sampling. This type is beneficial if the population
individuals in blocks or districts are heterogeneous.

Non-scientific Sampling

In non –scientific sampling design, not all of the individuals in a population are given equal chance of
being included as sample; hence, subjectivity happens in selecting a sample.

1. Purposive sampling. This type of non-scientific sampling design is biased on selecting the
individuals as samples according to the purposes of the researcher as his controls. An individual
is chosen as part of a sample due to good evidence that he is a representative of the total
population.
By and large, statisticians do not apply this type of sampling design because not all individuals in
a population are given equal chance to be included as sample since the criteria in choosing the
sample is based on the purposes of the investigator.

2. Incidental sampling. This type of sampling design is “applied to those samples which are taken
because they are the most available” (Guilford and Frutcher 1973). The researcher simply takes
the nearest individuals as subject of the study until the sample reaches the desired size.

3. Quota sampling. This type of design is popular in the field of opinion research because it is done
by merely looking for individuals with the requisite characteristics. The sampling technique is
usually prepared by the main office with instructions to field researchers to gather data from
samples that meet the prescribed criteria or characteristics.
 SAMPLING
TECHNIQUES

REPORTED BY:
MORENO R. BACO, LPT
MA MPES