Sampling Methods

Probability Sampling Strategies		< back		5 of 36		next >

	Sampling Frame Where do we start? When we use probability sampling, we begin by defining our population. Once we have done this, we must have some sort of record or directory to use to select individual participants from the target population. The sampling frame is the population as it is defined and available through records.

If our desired population is everyone living in the Unites States, the census that is conducted every 10 years is our best record or directory of the population. Census data would be our sampling frame. If our target population is everyone on a college campus, the campus directory would be our best choice for a sampling frame.