Types of Sampling Techniques in Data Analytics You Should Know

What is Sampling?

It is the practice of selecting an individual group from a population to study the whole population.

Let’s say we want to know the percentage of people who use iPhones in a city, for example. One way to do this is to call up everyone in the city and ask them what type of phone they use. The other way would be to get a smaller subgroup of individuals and ask them the same question, and then use this information as an approximation of the total population. 

However, this process is not as simple as it sounds. Whenever you follow this method, your sample size has to be ideal - it should not be too large or too small. Then once you have decided on the size of your sample, you must use the right type of sampling techniques to collect a sample from the population. Ultimately, every sampling type comes under two broad categories:

• Probability sampling - Random selection techniques are used to select the sample.
• Non-probability sampling - Non-random selection techniques based on certain criteria are used to select the sample.

Types Of Sampling Techniques in Data Analytics-

Now, let’s discuss the types of sampling in data analytics. First, let us start with the Probability Sampling techniques.

Probability Sampling Techniques

Probability Sampling Techniques are one of the important types of sampling techniques. Probability sampling allows every member of the population a chance to get selected. It is mainly used in quantitative research when you want to produce results representative of the whole population.

1. Simple Random Sampling

In simple random sampling, the researcher selects the participants randomly. There are a number of data analytics tools like random number generators and random number tables used that are based entirely on chance.

Example: The researcher assigns every member in a company database a number from 1 to 1000 (depending on the size of your company) and then use a random number generator to select 100 members.

2. Systematic Sampling

In systematic sampling, every population is given a number as well like in simple random sampling. However, instead of randomly generating numbers, the samples are chosen at regular intervals.

Example: The researcher assigns every member in the company database a number. Instead of randomly generating numbers, a random starting point (say 5) is selected. From that number onwards, the researcher selects every, say, 10th person on the list (5, 15, 25, and so on) until the sample is obtained.

3. Stratified Sampling

In stratified sampling, the population is subdivided into subgroups, called strata, based on some characteristics (age, gender, income, etc.). After forming a subgroup, you can then use random or systematic sampling to select a sample for each subgroup. This method allows you to draw more precise conclusions because it ensures that every subgroup is properly represented.

Example: If a company has 500 male employees and 100 female employees, the researcher wants to ensure that the sample reflects the gender as well. So the population is divided into two subgroups based on gender. 

4. Cluster Sampling

In cluster sampling, the population is divided into subgroups, but each subgroup has similar characteristics to the whole sample. Instead of selecting a sample from each subgroup, you randomly select an entire subgroup. This method is helpful when dealing with large and diverse populations.

Example: A company has over a hundred offices in ten cities across the world which has roughly the same number of employees in similar job roles. The researcher randomly selects 2 to 3 offices and uses them as the sample.

Here comes the next type of sampling techniques i.e., Non-Probability Sampling Techniques

Non-Probability Sampling Techniques

Non-Probability Sampling Techniques is one of the important types of Sampling techniques. In non-probability sampling, not every individual has a chance of being included in the sample. This sampling method is easier and cheaper but also has high risks of sampling bias. It is often used in exploratory and qualitative research with the aim to develop an initial understanding of the population.

1. Convenience Sampling

In this sampling method, the researcher simply selects the individuals which are most easily accessible to them. This is an easy way to gather data, but there is no way to tell if the sample is representative of the entire population. The only criteria involved is that people are available and willing to participate.

Example: The researcher stands outside a company and asks the employees coming in to answer questions or complete a survey.

2. Voluntary Response Sampling

Voluntary response sampling is similar to convenience sampling, in the sense that the only criterion is people are willing to participate. However, instead of the researcher choosing the participants, the participants volunteer themselves. 

Example: The researcher sends out a survey to every employee in a company and gives them the option to take part in it.

3. Purposive Sampling

In purposive sampling, the researcher uses their expertise and judgment to select a sample that they think is the best fit. It is often used when the population is very small and the researcher only wants to gain knowledge about a specific phenomenon rather than make statistical inferences.

Example: The researcher wants to know about the experiences of disabled employees at a company. So the sample is purposefully selected from this population.

4. Snowball Sampling

In snowball sampling, the research participants recruit other participants for the study. It is used when participants required for the research are hard to find. It is called snowball sampling because like a snowball, it picks up more participants along the way and gets larger and larger.

Example: The researcher wants to know about the experiences of homeless people in a city. Since there is no detailed list of homeless people, a probability sample is not possible. The only way to get the sample is to get in touch with one homeless person who will then put you in touch with other homeless people in a particular area.

Which Sampling Technique to Use?

In this article on types of sampling techniques in Data Analytics, we covered everything about probability and non-probability sampling techniques. For any type of research, it is necessary that you choose the right sampling techniques before diving into the study. The effectiveness of your research is hugely dependent on the sample that you choose. These are just the top types of sampling techniques and there are still lots more that you can choose from to refine your research.

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Conclusion and Next Steps

In order to become a data analyst, you have to be exactly sure of what sampling techniques you should use and when. If you want to learn more about data analytics, Simplilearn’s Data Analytics Certification Program, in partnership with Purdue University and in collaboration with IBM, features masterclasses and follows a boot camp model designed with real-life projects and business case studies. Get started with this course today and embark on a successful career in data analytics.

If you have any doubts in the types of sampling techniques article, leave a comment below and our team experts will get in touch with you as soon as possible!