what is sampling

Sampling is a process in statistical analysis where researchers take a predetermined number of observations from a larger population. It is the selection of a subset or a statistical sample of individuals from within a statistical population to estimate characteristics of the whole population. Sampling allows researchers to conduct studies about a large group by using a small portion of the population. The method of sampling depends on the type of analysis being performed, but it may include simple random sampling or systematic sampling. There are two primary types of sampling methods that can be used in research: probability sampling and non-probability sampling. Probability sampling involves random selection, allowing researchers to make strong statistical inferences about the whole group, while non-probability sampling involves non-random selection based on convenience or other criteria, allowing researchers to easily collect data. The sample must be representative so that researchers can make inferences about the population. Sampling has lower costs and faster data collection compared to recording data from the entire population, and thus, it can provide insights in cases where it is infeasible to measure an entire population. Sampling is commonly done in statistics, psychology, and the financial industry.