Sampling Flowchart

This app simulates a flowchart that assist in choosing an appropriate sampling technique for research purposes. The technique selected will depend on whether data can be collected from the entire population or a sample must be taken and whether statistical inferences must be made from the sample.

If statistical inferences must be made from the sample, the appropriate probability sampling technique will be chosen based on criteria such as the need for face-to-face contact with respondents, the geographical area over which the population is spread and other characteristics of the population. If statistical inferences will not be made from the sample, the appropriate non-probability sampling technique will be chosen based on criteria such as the purpose and focus of the research.

The probability sampling techniques that the flowchart recommends are stratified random, stratified systemic, simple random, systematic, cluster and multi-stage. The non-probability sampling techniques that the flowchart recommends are self-selection, snowball, purposive, convenience, and quota. The types of purposive sampling that it recommends are extreme case (focus on the unusual or special), heterogeneous (focus on key-theme), homogeneous (in-depth focus), critical case (focus on the importance of case) and typical case (illustrative).

This app is intended to be a reference and a guide for students, new researchers and experienced researchers.