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Sampling in Quantitative Research

13 October, 2015 - 14:11

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  1. Describe how probability sampling differs from nonprobability sampling.
  2. Define generalizability, and describe how it is achieved in probability samples.
  3. Identify the various types of probability samples, and provide a brief description of each.

Quantitative researchers are often interested in being able to make generalizations about groups larger than their study samples. While there are certainly instances when quantitative researchers rely on nonprobability samples (e.g., when doing exploratory or evaluation research), quantitative researchers tend to rely on probability sampling techniques. The goals and techniques associated with probability samples differ from those of nonprobability samples. We’ll explore those unique goals and techniques in this section.