Research Methods Knowledge Base

by Prof William M.K. Trochim hosted by Conjointly

Sampling

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APA

Trochim, W. M. K. (n.d.). Sampling. In The Research Methods Knowledge Base. Conjointly. Retrieved [June 19, 2026], from https://conjointly.com/kb/sampling-in-research/.

MLA

Trochim, William M.K. "Sampling." The Research Methods Knowledge Base, Conjointly, https://conjointly.com/kb/sampling-in-research/. Accessed 19 June 2026.

Chicago

Trochim, William M.K. "Sampling." The Research Methods Knowledge Base. Conjointly. https://conjointly.com/kb/sampling-in-research/. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Sampling is the process of selecting units (e.g. people, organizations) from a population of interest so that by studying the sample we may fairly generalize our results back to the population from which they were chosen. Let’s begin by covering some of the key terms in sampling like “population” and “sampling frame.” Then, because some types of sampling rely upon quantitative models, we’ll talk about some of the statistical terms used in sampling. Finally, we’ll discuss the major distinction between probability and Nonprobability sampling methods and work through the major types in each.