Sampling Strategies

BUFHS

This resource defines sampling as the selection of a subset from a population to represent the entire group, highlighting its essential role in clinical and epidemiological research due to cost, time, and feasibility benefits. It categorizes sampling methods into probability and non-probability types, detailing specific techniques within each, such as simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling, cluster sampling, multistage sampling, convenience sampling, consecutive sampling, and purposive sampling. The document also compares the two main categories, discusses common sampling errors and how to minimize bias, and provides examples of sampling in clinical trials and proposal development.