Discussion on Sampling Techniques: Business Research and Data Analysis

This discussion post explores sampling methods used in business research. It differentiates between probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling techniques, emphasizing the importance of simple random sampling for data validity and reliability. The post also acknowledges the limitations of random sampling, such as its inability to account for hidden populations. The assignment then introduces snowball sampling as an alternative within non-probabilistic sampling. Ethical considerations, specifically the protection of participant privacy, are also highlighted as crucial for generating valid research outcomes. The provided references support the discussion with relevant academic sources.

Running head: DISCUSSION
Discussion
Name of the stude4nt
Name of the university
Author note

1DISCUSSION
Sampling
Sampling is a method, which is used for selecting the population sample for a academic
or business research. There are generally two types of sampling method that is used in the study,
one is the probabilistic sampling and non-probabilistic sampling. However, generally in the
business research probabilistic sampling is the method, which provides authentic collection of
data. However, there are different type so of probabilistic sampling methods; they are simple
random sampling, stratified random sampling, systematic random sampling and cluster
sampling (Gelman et al., 2014). However, the appropriate sampling method that will be used is
simple random sampling, as it will provide the population with equal amount of opportunity of
being selected. This will ensure the reliability and the validity of the data that has been selected.
Reliability is the ability of the data to reproduce the same result for the different studies having a
similar topic. Validity of data ensures that all the methods and procedures have been executed
according to the requirement of the research method. It is important to maintain the validity and
reliability of data of the study as it will be able to produce accurate findings and result of the
study (Cleary, Horsfall & Hayter, 2014).
However, there are certain limitations, which are being attached to the probabilistic
sampling method. Random sampling is the method, which does not take the hidden population
in to account so it is difficult to select the sample size for the research papers and collect relevant
data. Thus, the reliability and validity of the data is compromised in this context. Thus, in this
scenario snowball sampling is a method that is a part of non-probabilistic sampling is used
(Bryman & Bell, 2015). In the point of ethics, there are instances where the privacy of the
collected data is not maintained and the respondents are forced to take part in to the survey.

2DISCUSSION
Thus, these ethical aspects have to be maintained in order to obtain a valid result from the
analysis.

3DISCUSSION
References
Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015). Business research methods. Oxford University Press, USA.
Cleary, M., Horsfall, J., & Hayter, M. (2014). Data collection and sampling in qualitative
research: does size matter?. Journal of advanced nursing, 70(3), 473-475.
Gelman, A., Carlin, J. B., Stern, H. S., Dunson, D. B., Vehtari, A., & Rubin, D. B.
(2014). Bayesian data analysis (Vol. 2). Boca Raton, FL: CRC press.