When it is not possible to study an entire population (such as the population of the

United States), a smaller sample is taken using a random sampling technique. Slovin's
formula allows a researcher to sample the population with a desired degree of
accuracy. Slovin's formula gives the researcher an idea of how large the sample size
needs to be to ensure a reasonable accuracy of results.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

Slovin's Formula provides the sample size (n) using the known population size (N) and
the acceptable error value (e). Fill the N and e values into the formula n=N÷(1+Ne 2).
The resulting value of n equals the sample size to be used.

When to Use Slovin's Formula

If a sample is taken from a population, a formula must be used to take into account
confidence levels and margins of error. When taking statistical samples, sometimes a
lot is known about a population, sometimes a little may be known and sometimes
nothing is known at all. For example, a population may be normally distributed (e.g.,
for heights, weights or IQs), there may be a bimodal distribution (as often happens
with class grades in mathematics classes) or there may be no information about how a
population will behave (such as polling college students to get their opinions about
quality of student life). Use Slovin’s formula when nothing is known about the behavior
of a population.

How to Use Slovin's Formula

Slovin's formula is written as:

n=N÷(1+Ne2)

where n = Number of samples, N = Total population and e = Error tolerance.

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To use the formula, first figure out the error of tolerance. For example, a confidence
level of 95 percent (giving a margin error of 0.05) may be accurate enough, or a tighter
accuracy of a 98 percent confidence level (a margin of error of 0.02) may be required.
Plug the population size and required margin of error into the formula. The result
equals the number of samples required to evaluate the population.

For example, suppose that a group of 1,000 city government employees needs to be
surveyed to find out which tools are best suited to their jobs. For this survey a margin
of error of 0.05 is considered sufficiently accurate. Using Slovin’s formula, the required
sample survey size equals n=N÷(1+Ne 2) people:

n=1,000÷(1+1,000x0.05x0.05)=286

The survey therefore needs to include 286 employees.

Limitations of Slovin's Formula

Slovin's Formula calculates the number of samples required when the population is
too large to directly sample every member. Slovin's formula works for simple random
sampling. If the population to be sampled has obvious subgroups, Slovin's formula
could be applied to each individual group instead of the whole group. Consider the
example problem. If all 1,000 employees work in offices, the survey results would
most likely reflect the needs of the entire group. If, instead, 700 of the employees work
in offices while the other 300 do maintenance work, their needs will differ. In this case,
a single survey might not provide the data required whereas sampling each group
would provide more accurate results.

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What is a convenience sample in research?

Convenience sampling is a type of nonprobability sampling in which people are
sampled simply because they are "convenient" sources of data for researchers. In
probability sampling, each element in the population has a known nonzero chance of
being selected through the use of a random selection procedure.Jan 1, 2011
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When should Convenience sampling be used?

One advantage of convenience sampling is that data can be collected quickly and for
a low cost. Convenience samples are often used in pilot studies, through which
researchers can refine a research study before testing a larger and more
representative sample.Jul 18, 2019
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What do you mean by convenience sampling?

Convenience Sampling: Definition. Convenience Sampling (also called
availability sampling) is a non-probability/non-random sampling technique used to
create sample as per ease of access, readiness to be a part of the sample, availability
at a given time slot or any other practical specifications of a particular element ...
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What are the advantages of convenience sampling?

Advantages of Convenience Sampling
As Convenience Sampling allows the pollster to draw samples from the zone where
s/he gets comfortable, the sampling method becomes easier for the pollster as
compared to Stratified Random Sampling, Systematic Random Sampling and others.
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What is convenience sampling method in research?

Convenience sampling (also known as availability sampling) is a specific type of non-
probability sampling method that relies on data collection from population members
who are conveniently available to participate in study. Facebook polls or questions can
be mentioned as a popular example for convenience sampling.
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What is meant by quota sampling?

Quota Sampling Definition. Quota Sampling is a non-probability sampling method in
which researchers can form a sample involving individuals that represent a population
and are chosen according to traits or qualities. ... It is very similar to stratified
random sampling, which is a probability sampling method.
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What are the examples of quota sampling?

Quota sampling means to take a very tailored sample that's in proportion to some
characteristic or trait of a population. For example, you could divide a population by the
state they live in, income or education level, or sex.Jun 25, 2015
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Why do we use quota sampling?
When to Use Quota Samples
The main reason why researchers choose quota samples is that it allows the
researchers to sample a subgroup that is of great interest to the study. If a study aims
to investigate a trait or a characteristic of a certain subgroup, this type of sampling is
the ideal technique.
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A stratified sample is one that ensures that subgroups (strata) of a given population are each
adequately represented within the whole sample population of a research study. For example,
one might divide a sample of adults into subgroups by age, like 18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59,
and 60 and above.
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How do you do stratified sampling?
Step 1: Divide the population into smaller subgroups, or strata, based on the members'
shared attributes and characteristics. Step 2: Take a random sample from each stratum
in a number that is proportional to the size of the stratum. Step 3: Pool the subsets of
the strata together to form a random sample.
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How do you calculate stratified random sampling?
For example, if the researcher wanted a sample of 50,000 graduates using age range,
the proportionate stratified random sample will be obtained using this formula:
(sample size/population size) x stratum size. The table below assumes a population
size of 180,000 MBA graduates per year.May 24, 2019
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When stratified random sampling is used?
The population is divided into various subgroups such as age, gender, nationality, job
profile, educational level etc. Stratified sampling is used when the researcher wants
to understand the existing relationship between two groups. The researcher can
represent even the smallest sub-group in the population.
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What is an advantage of stratified sampling?
Stratified sampling offers several advantages over simple random sampling.
A stratified sample can provide greater precision than a simple random sample of the
same size. Because it provides greater precision, a stratified sample often requires a
smaller sample, which saves money.
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Is stratified sampling qualitative or quantitative?
Within the overall process of sampling, stratification is related to the definition of the
population because it requires a prior definition of categories within the population
before it is possible to draw samples from those subgroups. This general process can
apply to both qualitative and quantitative research.D
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What is stratified random sampling in research?
Stratified random sampling is a method of sampling that involves the division of a
population into smaller groups known as strata. In stratified random
sampling or stratification, the strata are formed based on members' shared attributes
or characteristics.Jul 14, 2019
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Judgment sampling is a common nonprobability method. The researcher selects
the sample based on judgment. This is usually and extension of convenience sampling.
For example, a researcher may decide to draw the entire sample from one "representative"
city, even though the population includes all cities.
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What is judgmental sampling technique?
Judgment sampling, also referred to as judgmental sampling or
authoritative sampling, is a non-probability sampling technique where the researcher
selects units to be sampled based on his own existing knowledge, or his professional
judgment.
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Judgmental Sampling Definition

Judgmental sampling, also called purposive sampling or authoritative
sampling, is a non-probability sampling technique in which the sample
members are chosen only on the basis of the researcher’s knowledge and
judgment. As the researcher’s knowledge is instrumental in creating a sample
in this sampling technique, there are chances that the results obtained will be
highly accurate with a minimum margin of error.

The process of selecting a sample using judgmental sampling involves the

researchers carefully picking and choosing each individual to be a part of the
sample. The researcher’s knowledge is primary in this sampling process as
the members of the sample are not randomly chosen.

Select your respondents

When to execute Judgmental Sampling?

Judgmental sampling is most effective in situations where there are only a
restricted number of people in a population who own qualities that a
researcher expects from the target population. Researchers prefer to
implement Judgmental sampling when they feel that other sampling
techniques will consume more time and that they have confidence in their
knowledge to select a sample for conducting research.

Judgmental or Expert sampling is usually used in situations where the target

population comprises of highly intellectual individuals who cannot be chosen
by using any other probability or non-probability sampling technique. It is also
used in situations where the sample selected using other sampling methods
need to be approved or filtered. For instance, in situations where a researcher
conducts convenience sampling to gather feedback from professors about
their university but the fact that there are high chances of the results to be
skewed, researchers prefer judgmental sampling to select those professors
who will provide 100% feedback about the university.

Selecting each individual of the sample is a critical challenge that an

intellectual researcher will undertake. It is a tedious task to handpick members
of a sample while ensuring there is no bias involved.

The authority involved in the selection process may not necessarily be

“experts” in the field but they have to comply with certain characteristics
expected from a Judgmental sampling authority. Education or work
experience is not considered while appointing authorities for the selection
process.
 Purposive sampling is used where there is time-constraint for sample creation
and the authorities involved would prefer relying on their knowledge and not
on other sampling methods. But, one must keep in mind, the fact that a
researcher may or may not have the appropriate proficiency to conduct an
effective sampling process. This is the only disadvantage of purposive
sampling. Each researcher who takes up the responsibility of creating a
sample using expert sampling will have to be extremely confident in their own
skills and understanding of the subject.

Examples of Judgmental Sampling

Here are two distinct Judgmental Sampling examples:

 Consider a scenario where a panel decides to understand what are the

factors which lead a person to select ethical hacking as a profession. Ethical
hacking is a skill which has been recently attracting youth. More and more
people are selecting it as a profession. The researchers who understand
what ethical hacking is will be able to decide who should form the sample to
learn about it as a profession. That is when judgmental sampling is
implemented. Researchers can easily filter out those participants who can
be eligible to be a part of the research sample.
 There are many tribes in the world which have their own religious beliefs, for
instance, the Balinese people follow syncretism, which is considered to be a
mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism. For researchers who plan to study the
culture of Southeast Asian countries, it is advised that they select strata
using judgmental sampling as religious beliefs are considered to be highly
sensitive in this part of the world. Due to the sensitivity of the topic, if
samples of those who have appropriate knowledge are created and
research is conducted with those samples, results will be highly accurate.
Probability sampling techniques often produce altered results in such cases.
Judgmental Sampling Advantages
 Consumes minimum time for execution: In this sampling approach,
researcher expertise is important and there are no other barriers involved
due to which selecting a sample becomes extremely convenient.
 Allows researchers to approach their target market directly: There are
no criteria involved in selecting a sample except for the researcher’s
preferences. Due to this, he/she can communicate directly with the target
audience of their choice and produce desired results.
 Almost real-time results: A quick poll or survey can be conducted with the
sample using judgmental sampling since the members of the sample will
possess appropriate knowledge and understanding of the subject.
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For example, a researcher wants to survey academic performance of high school students in
Spain. He can divide the entire population (population of Spain) into different clusters (cities).
Then the researcher selects a number of clusters depending on his research through simple or
systematic random sampling.
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How is cluster sampling used?
Cluster sampling is typically used in market research. It's used when a researcher
can't get information about the population as a whole, but they can get information
about the clusters. For example, a researcher may be interested in data about city
taxes in Florida.Aug 24, 2013
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How do you select a cluster sample?
Determine groups: Determine the number of groups by including the same average
members in each group. Make sure each of these groups are distinct from one
another. Select clusters: Choose clusters randomly for sampling. Geographic
segmentation: Geographic segmentation is the most commonly used cluster sample.
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What is cluster example?
An example of cluster sampling is area sampling or geographical cluster sampling.
Each cluster is a geographical area. Because a geographically dispersed population
can be expensive to survey, greater economy than simple random sampling can be
achieved by grouping several respondents within a local area into a cluster.
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Why is clustering done?
Clustering is the task of dividing the population or data points into a number of groups
such that data points in the same groups are more similar to other data points in the
same group than those in other groups. In simple words, the aim is to segregate groups
with similar traits and assign them into clusters.Nov 3, 2016