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Sampling Techniques in Selecting the Study Group — 2024 Paper I
Question · 2024 · Paper I · 15 Marks
Discuss the applicability of various sampling techniques in selecting the study group.
Model Answer
VAID ICSIntroduction
Sampling is the process of selecting a manageable group from a larger population so that valid conclusions may be drawn about the whole. The choice of technique depends on the research objective, population size, heterogeneity, availability of a sampling frame, time and resources.
Probability Sampling
In probability sampling, every unit has a known chance of selection. It is most suitable for quantitative studies and statistical generalisation.
Simple random sampling
Each individual has an equal chance of selection. It is useful where the population is relatively homogeneous and a complete list is available.
Example: Selecting households randomly from an electoral roll to study fertility behaviour.
Its applicability is limited in dispersed or poorly documented tribal populations.
Systematic sampling
Every kth unit is selected after a random starting point. It is quick and suitable for household surveys and institutional populations.
Example: Selecting every tenth household in a village.
It should be avoided when the list contains a recurring pattern that may produce bias.
Stratified sampling
The population is divided into meaningful categories such as sex, age, caste, tribe or occupation, followed by sampling from each category. It is most useful in heterogeneous populations and ensures representation of small groups.
Example: Comparing nutritional status among men, women and children of different tribal groups.
Cluster sampling
Naturally occurring groups such as villages, schools or settlements are selected instead of individuals. It is appropriate for geographically scattered populations and reduces cost.
Example: Selecting certain villages to study maternal health in a district.
However, individuals within one cluster may be too similar, reducing representativeness.
Multistage sampling
Selection takes place in stages—districts, villages, households and individuals. It is widely applicable in large-scale anthropological and demographic surveys.
Example: A nationwide tribal health study covering selected States, districts and villages.
Non-probability Sampling
It is useful in exploratory, qualitative and hard-to-reach population studies, though statistical generalisation remains limited.
Purposive sampling
Participants are deliberately selected because they possess relevant knowledge or experience.
Example: Selecting ritual specialists, traditional healers or village elders for an ethnographic study.
Snowball sampling
Initial participants identify others belonging to the same network. It is suitable for hidden or socially sensitive groups.
Example: Research on migrants, trafficking survivors, drug users or members of a stigmatised community.
Its major limitation is network-based selection bias.
Quota sampling
Fixed numbers are selected from predetermined categories. It is useful when representation is required but no complete sampling frame exists.
Example: Selecting equal numbers of male and female respondents from an urban settlement.
Convenience sampling
Respondents are chosen on the basis of easy accessibility. It is useful for pilot studies and preliminary exploration, but produces weak representativeness.
Theoretical sampling
Used in grounded theory, cases are selected progressively to develop and refine emerging concepts.
Example: Adding new categories of workers until no new information emerges.
Critical Assessment
No sampling method is universally superior. Probability methods improve representativeness but may be difficult in mobile, remote or undocumented communities. Non-probability methods provide depth and access but are more vulnerable to researcher and selection bias. Anthropological research often combines methods—for example, random household selection with purposive interviews of key informants.
Conclusion
The most appropriate sampling technique is one that matches the research question and social context. A carefully justified combination of representative selection and ethnographic depth produces the most reliable study group.
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