Programme: Master of Library & Information Science
Course: MLIS-09: Research Methodology
The
researcher should be familiar with the various concepts and definitions related
to sampling. Some concepts are discussed below.
1.Sampling: Sampling is the
process of selection and study of a part of the entire population with a view
to describe the total population. It is the process of obtaining information
about an entire population by examining only a part of it. The items selected
are called a sample. Sample should be carefully selected so that it should be
representative of the total population.
2.Universe/Population: The terms Universe and population are used
synonymously. However, there is very little difference between them. Universe
in general represents the whole group from which the units or sample is
selected.
Population is the “aggregate of all
cases that confirm to some designated set of specifications. Generally,
population of a research problem has to be defined in terms of – 1) content (Ex:
College Librarians);2) extent (Ex: Andhra Pradesh) 3) time (Ex: 1998).
Population can be finite or infinite. Finite population means a population where the number of units can be counted. An infinite population consists of an endless number of units.
3.Sampling
Frame:
A
complete list of all sampling units from which a sample is selected is called a
sampling frame. Ideally, the sampling frame should include all the sampling
units in the population. However, in practice, list of all the units rarely
exists and the researchers compile a substitute list. The accuracy of sampling
depends on the sampling frame. Hence the researchers should be careful about
designing the sample frame.
Activity:
1. Refer to Books on Research Methods for Social Science and define the concepts of Population, Sample and Sample Frame .