Question

Please TYPE your answer:

What is the primary feature of a good sample?

Answer 1

(1) Goal-oriented: A sample design should be goal oriented. It means and should be oriented to the research objectives and fitted to the survey conditions.

(2) An accurate representation of the universe: A sample should be an accurate representation of the universe from which it is taken. There are different methods for selecting a sample. It will be truly representative only when it represents all types of units or groups in the total population in fair proportions. In brief, the sample should be selected carefully as improper sampling is a source of error in the survey.

(3) Proportional: A sample should be proportional. It should be large enough to represent the universe properly. The sample size should be sufficiently large to provide statistical stability or reliability. The sample size should give the accuracy required for the purpose of a particular study.

(4) Random selection: A sample should be selected at random. This means that any item in the group has a full and equal chance of being selected and included in the sample. This makes the selected sample truly representative in character.

(5) Economical: A sample should be economical. The objectives of the survey should be achieved with minimum cost and effort.

(6) Practical: A sample design should be practical. The sample design should be simple i.e. it should be capable of being understood and followed in the fieldwork.

(7) Actual information provider: A sample should be designed so as to provide actual information required for the study and also provide an adequate basis for the measurement of its own reliability.

In brief, a good sample should be truly representative in character. It should be selected at random and should be adequately proportional. These, in fact, are the attributes of a good sample.