1. Based from the research problem of Kean, what do you think is the appropriate sampling procedure to be used? Explain why?

Question

Kean a HUMSS 11 student taking Practical Research 1. As a requirement in their subject they need to have their research problem. He became interested in studying what are the attitudes of Senior High School parents and students of Tagodtod National High School towards the SelfLearning Module. He made a questionnaire to gather the needed data to them but it would be time consuming and costly if he will be giving the questionnaire to all the parents and students of SHS in Tagodtod. So there is a need for him to get only a sample from its target population through a process called sampling. Now, what do you think is the appropriate sampling procedure to use? Help him decide.

1. Based from the research problem of Kean, what do you think is the appropriate sampling procedure to be used? Explain why?
2. Why is there a must to critically choose the correct sampling procedure in research?

Answer 1

If Kean requires data from a group with time and money constraints, he can do a couple of things:

Simple random sampling — this consists of taking whatever the total population is (say 600), and choosing 200 of them through some random way. There are plenty of sites online that will generate random numbers, or even pulling numbers from a hat would work. This requires that Kean actually samples the numbers that he gets. No leaving people out if they come up.

Systematic random sampling — similar to simple random, this consists of picking people at some interval N. For example, choosing the 10th person on the list and then sampling every 10 people.

Cluster sampling — this likely wouldn't be the ideal choice, but it depends on sampling within clusters of people (classes, friend groups, activities, meetings, etc). Problematically, this might lead to similar results from people within the group because people tend to group themselves based on shared interests, behaviors, and outlooks.

Convenience sampling — this consists of giving out the questionnaire to anybody that Kean comes across within a given timeframe or location. While this is the easiest way to sample, it can lead to biased results because it lacks the comprehensiveness of surveying the entire population in favor of a particular moment or place. For example, if he's sampling at a basketball game, he might get more responses skewed to one direction because of who shows up to the game. Keep in mind that the population required to respond to this is a vast and diverse group who all have different opinions on the questionnaire.

Research is costly and time consuming. Choosing the right sampling technique not only allows you to complete your research more efficiently, but it decreases the likelihood of your results being biased.

Bernard, H. R. (2006). Research methods in anthropology: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. AltaMira Press.