Non-probability sampling

Abdur Rahman
Statistics Discipline
Khulna University
 Non-probability sampling
• A non-probability sampling is a non-random
method of sampling in which the selection
procedure of the population elements remains
entirely on the discretion of the persons who
sample.

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 Convenience sampling
• Which sampling is unrestricted
• Researcher or field workers have freedom to
choose whom they find conveniently
• Frequently used in market research, public
opinion survey
• Early stage of exploratory research

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 Accidental sampling
• The selection of the cases is based on whatever
happens to be available instantly.
• Diabetic patient selection from the queue in
the hospital counter.

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Advantages of convenience sampling

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 Example of convenience sampling
• A basic example of a convenience sampling
method is when companies distribute their
promotional pamphlets and ask questions at a
mall or on a crowded street with randomly
selected participants.
• Businesses use this sampling method to gather
information to address critical issues arising from
the market. They also use it when collecting
feedback about a particular feature or a newly
launched product from the sample created.

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 Example of convenience sampling
• During the initial stages of survey research,
researchers usually prefer using convenience
sampling as it’s quick and easy to deliver
results. Even if many statisticians avoid
implementing this technique, it is vital in
situations where you intend to get insights in a
shorter period or without investing too much
money.

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 Purposive sampling
• A non-probability sampling method that
conforms to certain criteria.

1. judgment sampling

2. quota sampling

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Judgment sampling/expert choice
• The cases are included inn the investigation
through a planned selection procedure by
sampler’s own expertise
• In a labor problem talk to only those who have
faced discrimination in the past.

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 Quota sampling
• A portion of the sample is given quota from a
population
• It is equivalent to stratified sampling.
• Tries to build a sample proportional to the
population
• Village 2/3 and urban 1/3 then urban 100 and
village 200 will be okay.

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 Advantages of quota sampling
• Accurately represents the entire population: Quota sampling is
all about taking into account population proportions. Since
researchers use specific quotas, they can avoid over or
underrepresentation and create a sample that matches the population
being studied.
• Saves time: Using quotas is much faster than probability sampling
methods. Unlike stratified random sampling, quota sampling doesn’t
require a sampling frame or strict random sampling techniques.
• Convenient: Since quota sampling saves time and resources, it’s
easier to carry out than other sampling methods. Plus, interpreting
the responses received from a quota sample is more
straightforward—and often takes fewer resources.
• Saves money: Quota sampling can get you usable results at an
affordable cost. That’s why this sampling method is generally a
budget-friendly option for market research.

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 Challenges
• Inaccuracy is possible: Remember, only the pre-
determined traits of the population are taken into account
when researchers create subgroups for quota sampling. In a
study that includes subgroups of gender and income, the
final sample may not accurately represent other traits like
age, race, or religion.
• Selection isn’t random: Since quota sampling doesn’t use
random selection, it’s impossible to determine if a sampling
error has occurred.
• Bias can become a problem: In quota sampling, it’s
generally left up to the researchers to decide who is
sampled. Unknowingly or not, they may select based on
convenience, cost, or other biases.

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 Snowball sampling
• Persons initially chosen for the sample are used as informants
to locate the other persons having characteristics to make
eligible for the sample through referral.
• In first stage few persons are identified and in the following
stages other respondents are identified
• Snowball are smaller first then gets bigger
• Snowball sampling is also known as cold-calling, chain
sampling, chain-referral sampling, and referral sampling.
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 Example of snow-ball sampling
• Drug culture
• Teenage gang activities
• Community relation
• Heroine addiction/gaza

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 Advantages of Snowball Sampling

• The chain referral process allows the researcher to reach

populations that are difficult to sample when using other
sampling methods.

• The process is cheap, simple and cost-efficient.

• This sampling technique needs little planning and fewer

workforce compared to other sampling techniques.

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 Disadvantages
• It us usually impossible to determine the sampling error or
make inferences about populations based on the obtained
sample.

• Bias

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