Nonprobability Sampling

Sampling involves the selection of a portion of the finite population being studied. Nonprobability sampling does not attempt to select a random sample from the population of interest. Rather, subjective methods are used to decide which elements are included in the sample. In contrast, in probability sampling, each element in the population has a known nonzero chance of being selected through the use of a random selection procedure. The use of a random selection procedure such as simple random sampling makes it possible to use design-based estimation of population means, proportions, totals, and ratios. Standard errors can also be calculated from a probability sample.

Why would one consider using nonprobability sampling? In some situations, the population may not be well defined. In other situations, there may ...