Sampling Methods

There are several ways to choose a sample from a population:

• Random sampling: every member has an equal chance of being chosen.
• Systematic sampling: members are chosen at regular intervals (e.g. every 10th person).
• Stratified sampling: the population is split into groups, and a proportional number is randomly chosen from each.
• Convenience sampling: members are chosen simply because they are easy to reach — often unreliable.

Identify the sampling method used, or compare the reliability of two methods.

Continue exploring related topics:

• Population and Sample - The Whole vs a Part
• Sampling Bias - When Samples Go Wrong
• Collecting Data - Gathering and Organising Information