Difference Between Probability& Non-Probability

Sample Designs

Probability Sampling: subjects are selected in such a way that every member of the
population actually has a possible chance of being selected.

Methods of Probability Sampling:

Simple Random: each member of the study population has an equal chance of being selected.

Systematic sampling: each member of the study population is either assembled or listed, a
random start is designated, then members of the population are selected at equal intervals.

Stratified: each member of the study population is assigned to a group or stratum, then a
simple random sample is selected from each stratum.

Cluster: each member of the study population is assigned to a group or cluster, then clusters
are selected at random and all members of a selected cluster are included in the sample.

Multi-stage: clusters are selected as in the cluster sample, then sample members are selected
from the cluster members by simple random sampling. Clustering may be done at more than
one stage.

Non-probability samples: subjects are selected based on the judgment of the researchers to
achieve particular objectives of the researcher.

Methods of Non-probability Sampling:

Convenience: select cases based on their availability for the study.

Example: Psychologists interested in the relationship between violence in movies and

aggressive behavior by the American public may use student volunteers to participate in an
experiment. One group is shown a movie without violence, the other group is shown a movie
with graphic violence. Then both groups are observed and interviewed.

Age and level of stress of college student's may affect the findings.

Purposive: Select cases that are judged to represent similar conditions, or alternatively, very
different conditions.

Example: Case studies of nations such as U.S. and France, to contrast the worst and best case of
a policy issue.
Snowball: Group members identify additional members to be included in sample.

Example: illegal drug users, illegal aliens

Quota: Interviewers select sample that yields the same proportions as the population
proportions on easily identified variables.

Example: The researcher divides population group being studied into subgroups : male, female
, black , white. In quota sampling, the interviewer is left with the discretion of selection. Ex.
Interviews conducted in shopping malls.

Advantages techniques and disadvantages of five basic sampling techniques

Sampling Techniques Advantages Disadvantages

Random Sampling The most accurate Unavailable list of the entire
theoretically;influenced only by population sometimes or
chance prevention of random sampling by
practical considerations

Stratified sampling
Assures a large sample to
subdivide on important
variables;needed when population
is too large to list;can be
combined with other techniques
Can be biased if strata are given
false weights,unless the weighting
procedure is used for overall
analysis

Systematic Sampling Similar trandom sampling often Sometimes permits bias

easier than random sampling
Cluster Sampling Easy to collect data on the subject
Quota Sampling Available when random sampling
is impossible;quick to do
Prone to bias when thye number is
small
Presence of bias not controlled by
the quota system