Probability and Non-Probability Sampling
1. Similarities
- Used in research
- Potential for bias
- Data collection
2. Differences
Basis for
Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling
Comparison
Meaning Probability sampling is a Nonprobability sampling is a
sampling technique, in which the method of sampling wherein, it
subjects of the population get an is not known that which
equal opportunity to be selected individual from the population
as a representative sample. will be selected as a sample.
Alternately known Random sampling Non-random sampling
as
Basis of selection Randomly Arbitrarily
Opportunity of Fixed and known Not specified and unknown
selection
Research Conclusive Exploratory
Result Unbiased Biased
Method Objective Subjective
Inferences Statistical Analytical
Hypothesis Tested Generated
Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling
The subjects of the population get an A sampling method in which it is not
equal opportunity to be selected as a known which individual from the
representative sample population will be chosen as a sample
The basis of probability sampling is In non-probability sampling, the
randomization or chance, so it is also randomization technique is not
known as Random sampling. applied for selecting a sample, so it is
considered as Non-random sampling.
Sampler chooses the representative to The subject is chosen arbitrarily, to
be part of the sample randomly belong to the sample by the
researcher.
The chances of selection in probability The selection probability is zero, i.e. it
sampling, are fixed and known. is neither specified not known.
Used when the research is conclusive Used when the research is exploratory
in nature
The results generated by probability The results of non-probability
sampling, are free from bias sampling are more or less biased.
Probability sampling test the Nonprobability sampling generates
hypothesis hypothesis
As the subjects are selected randomly by the researcher in probability
sampling, so the extent to which it represents the whole population is higher
as compared to the nonprobability sampling. That is why extrapolation of
results to the entire population is possible in probability sampling but not in
non-probability sampling.
