Question

Briefly explain the strengths and weaknesses of basic sampling techniques with appropriate definition and example.

Answer 1

The advantages of using the sampling methods are:

1. Low cost of sampling would be one good advantage of collecting the data through sample method. For example, if we have to collect the data for the entire income level of the residents living in California, by collecting the data from some people as a sample would be of low costs as not more people would be employed to do that job.

2. Another advantage is that it is also less time consuming process. As you are collecting the data from the population through a sampling method, that would require less time as compared to collection of the data from the whole population. For example, the income level would of the state would be collected through the same would take less time to interview and research because the data is collected through a sample and not whole.

The disadvantages of the sampling technique are:

1. Chances of bias: By using a sampling method, one can opt for having the bias in his/her techniques. The samples could be collected on the basis of the discrimination or preferences rather than taking the accurate amount of information through the whole population. For example, if the data about the income level is collected through samples, instead of going and collecting the right data from every poor section of the city, you would collect the sample data from rich income people giving a false estimation of the output.

2. Difficulties in selecting a true sample: Another disadvantage is the difficulty in selecting a true sample. Many a times a researcher is confused regarding what sample size to be taken and what to be included in the sample making the sampling technique tricky. For example, the data of the income level would be selected of poor section would be calculated on how much poor. What people to include in the sample and what size.