Sampling Theory and Generalizability in Nursing Research

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Sampling Theory and Generalizability in Nursing Research
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Sampling Theory and Generalizability in Nursing Research
Sampling Theory
Sampling theory is the method of obtaining samples that accurately represent the
population from which they are taken (American Psychological Association, n.d.). Researchers
are able to choose different methods or strategies in sampling in order to select an appropriate
sample from a large target population. There are two main types of sampling methods including
probability and non-probability sampling.
In probability sampling, all subjects in the target population have an equal chance of
being selected (Elfil & Negida, 2017). Probability sampling methods include simple random
sampling, stratified random sampling, systemic random sampling, and cluster sampling. Using
these types of sampling methods usually allows for a more accurate representation of the target
population. Simple random sampling is used when all members of a target population are
accessible and researchers have a list of all the subjects in the population of interest, from this list
researchers choose participants at random using a random lottery or computer-generated list
(Elfil & Negida, 2017). In stratified random sampling researchers have a complete list of the
target population but the subjects are divided into stratified groups such as gender, race and age.
After identifying the different groups, researchers choose random subjects from each identified
strata.
An example of stratified random sampling would be for researchers to assess the Nclex
scores of all the nursing students that took the exam in 2020, in this method the researchers
would further break up the population of students into gender and then randomly choose an
number of students from each strata identified to participate in the study.This type of selection
process is more reflective of the target population as it allows data to be collected from minority
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populations within the larger group. Examples In non-probability sampling, the sample
population is selected in a non-systematic process (Elfil & Negida, 2017). This type of sampling
indicates there is not an equal chance for selection of subjects in the target population. Non-
probability sampling methods include convenience sampling, judgmental sampling, and snow-
ball sampling. Using this type of sampling may not always provide an accurate representation of
the target population and may inhibit generazitability of the study. Convenience sampling is the
most widely used sampling method in research as many times researchers do not have access to
the entire target population being studied. In this method, researchers choose subjects based on
their availability and accessibility (Elfil & Negida, 2017). In this method researchers may stand
outside a clinic and ask patients to answer survey questions. These subjects are conveniently
obtained because they were easily accessible outside of the clinic and not randomly chosen from
a list of all patients.
Generalizability in Nursing Research
Generalizability is an important factor that is highly influences by the sampling method
that is chosen. In generalizability, the results of the study need to be assessed to identify whether
they are valid externally. In order for results to be generalizable the sample population studied
should be a valid representation of the population characteristic being studied (Kukull &Ganguli,
2012). In order to choose an accurate sample population, researchers should understand the
nature of the target population, suitable sampling frames, and the desired sample size and
whether there are any important variables that concern how the selection should be stratified
(American Psychological Association, n.d.). Although other methods of sampling may be easier,
probability sampling methods are often the best choice to accurately represent a population and
for generalizability of results.

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Sampling Theory and Generalizability in Nursing Research

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Sampling Theory and Generalizability in Nursing Research

Sampling Theory and Generalizability in Nursing Research

probability and non-probability sampling.

researchers choose participants at random using a random lottery or computer-generated list

a list of all patients.

Generalizability in Nursing Research

Generalizability is an important factor that is highly influences by the sampling method

for generalizability of results.

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