Sampling is the process of selecting a sufficient number of elements from the population. So that a study of the sample and an understanding of its properties or characteristics would make it possible for us to generalize such properties or character tics to the population elements. The characteristics of the population such as mean, standard deviations and the population variance are referred to as its parameters. The central tendencies the dispersion and other statistics in the sample of interest to the research are treated as approximation of the central tendencies, dispersions and other parameters of the population. As such, all conclusions drawn about the sample under study are generalized to the population. In other words the sample statistics are used as estimates of the population parameters.
The reasons for using a sample rather than collecting data from the entire population are self-evident. In research investigations involving several hundreds and even thousands of elements, it would be practically impossible to collect data from or test or examine every element. Even if it were possible it would be prohibitive in terms of time, cost and other human resources. Study of sample rather than the entire population is also sometimes likely to produce more reliable results.
The reasons for using a sample rather than collecting data from the entire population are self-evident. In research investigations involving several hundreds and even thousands of elements, it would be practically impossible to collect data from or test or examine every element. Even if it were possible it would be prohibitive in terms of time, cost and other human resources. Study of sample rather than the entire population is also sometimes likely to produce more reliable results.
