Discussion: Sampling Theory

Sampling theory is a method of acquiring “a sample that accurately reflects the population under study.” The population is the main concept the theory; it may include target populations, accessible population, and just general populations. Other concepts include sampling/eligibility criteria, representativeness, sampling frames or sampling methods or plans. Sampling theory, in contrast to sample, defines the selection process. A sample defines the group. A sample plan or is not specific to a certain study, and it may include sampling methods that are random or nonrandom (Grove, Gray, & Burns, 2015).

Utilizing this method includes reducing costs, obtaining results quicker, having a greater scope, and obtaining results that are more accurate. Researchers are able to focus on a certain population and not waste their funds and time on populations that will not be pertinent to the study. There is also a greater scope, because the data is more targeted. It is impossible and impractical to obtain results from an entire population. One example of sampling theory would be for patients who had a foley catheter during their hospital stay and their rate of UTIs. For the results to be accurate, it is important for only those who had a foley in place to be included in the surveying (FAO, n.d.).

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (n.d.) Population and sampling. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y5228e/y5228e04.htm

Grove, S., Gray, J., Burns, N. (2015). Understanding Nursing Research (6th Ed.). [Pageburstl]. Retrieved from https://pageburstls.elsevier.com/#/books/9781455770601/

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