Compare and contrast nonprobability sampling and probability sampling. To what extent does each method produce a representative sample? Which method do researchers more often use, and why?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ans: Varies.

Probability sampling is a type of sampling that is used when the probability of any element in the population being selected is known and greater than zero. It relies on chance to produce a representative sample and chance may produce an unrepresentative sample; however, there is no systematic bias in the sampling method. Using a random selection procedure helps to obtain a representative sample, especially in contrast to nonprobability sampling methods. Nonprobability sampling methods are used when the odds of selection are unknown. This is less than ideal because we can never know to a full extent how representative our sample is; however, because of the nature of psychological research, it is the method that researchers most often use. They use this method because we often do not know the odds of selection for the populations we study (e.g., “adolescents”). This method relies on convenience and availability of participants, yet it can still produce useful information.