Sampling
in Quantitative Research
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research
is defined as the systematic investigation of phenomena by gathering
quantifiable data and performing statistical, mathematical or computational
techniques, etc. the results of which can be depicted in the form of
numericals. Quantitative research is mostly conducted in social science using
the statistical methods used above to collect quantitative data from the
research study. In this, research method researchers and statisticians deployed
mathematical frameworks and theories that pertains to the quantity under
questions. It is investigational in nature and the results achieved are logical
statistical and unbiased. Data collections happened using a structured method
and conducted for large samples which represent the entire population(admin,
n.d.).
Characteristics of Quantitative
Research
·
Structured tools.
·
Sample size.
·
Close-ended questions.
·
Prior studies.
·
Quantitative data.
·
Generalization of results.
Types of Quantitative Research Method (admin,
n.d.)
There are two methods to conduct
quantitative research. They are:
·
Primary quantitative research method
Primary quantitative research is
mainly focuses on collecting data directly rather than depending on data
collected from previously done research.
It has three branches:-
·
Techniques and types of
studies.
·
Data Collection
methodologies.
·
Data analysis techniques.
·
Secondary quantitative
research method
Secondary quantitative research or
desk research is a research method that involves using already existing data or
secondary data.
·
Data available on the
internet.
·
Government and non-government
sources.
·
Public libraries.
·
Educational institutions.
·
Commercial information
sources.
Table 1 Quantitative Research Advantage and
Disadvantage
ADVANTAGES
|
DISADVANTAGES
|
|
|
Population
A population(Kenton,
n.d.) is a group of individuals who have the same
characteristics.
A target population is a group of
individual with some common defining characteristic that the researcher can
identify and study(‘Quantitative
Research: Definition, Methods, Types and Examples | QuestionPro’, n.d.).
Sample
A sample is a subgroup of the target the population that the researcher plans to study for generalizing about the target
population.
In an ideal situation, you can select
a sample of individuals who are representative of the entire population.(Kenton,
n.d.)
figure1Population
and Sample
Probability Sampling. In probability sampling, the researcher selects individuals
from the population who are representative of the population.
·
simple random
sampling
The intent of simple random sampling is to
choose individuals to be sampled who will be representative of the population
with equal probability.
·
Stratified random
sampling
In stratified sampling, researchers divide the (stratify) the
population on some specific characteristic (e.g.: Gender) and then using simple
random sampling, sample from each subgroup (stratum) of the population (e.g.:
females and males).
·
Systematic sampling
In this procedure, you choose
every nth individual or site in the population until you reach your desired
sample size.
This procedure is not as precise and rigorous as using the Random
numbers table but it may be more convenient because individuals do not have to
be number and it does not require a Random numbers table.
·
Cluster sampling
It involves using a sampling design that involves multiple stages
and clusters and then randomly sample elements from within the selected
clusters this has a big practical advantage.
Non-Probability Sampling. In
Nonprobability sample researcher select individuals because they are available
convenient and represent some characteristic the investigator seeks to study.
Researchers use two popular approaches in non-probability sampling
·
Convenience sampling
·
Snowball sampling
·
Convenience sampling
Inconvenience sampling the researcher selected participants
because they are willing and available to be studied. The sample can provide
Useful information for answering questions and hypotheses.
·
Snowball Sampling
In this case, the researcher asks participants to
identify others to become members of the sample. The difference between the
sample estimate and the true population score is called sampling error.
Conclusions
Numbers, statistics and data are very important in quantitative
research. The strongest evidence is found among those studies that are done
carefully and that can exert the highest level of control.
References
admin. (n.d.). Sampling Techniques in Quantitative
Research | Dr. V.K. Maheshwari, Ph.D. Retrieved 20 August 2019, from
http://www.vkmaheshwari.com/WP/?p=2455
Kenton, W. (n.d.).
Understanding Population Statistics. Retrieved 20 August 2019, from
Investopedia website: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/population.asp
Quantitative Research:
Definition, Methods, Types and Examples | QuestionPro. (n.d.). Retrieved 20
August 2019, from https://www.questionpro.com/blog/quantitative-research/
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