Characteristics of a Good Sample

Characteristics of a  Good Sample

Representativeness  

Absence of sampling error

Economically viable

Generalized and applicable  

Goal-oriented

Proportional 

Randomly Selected

Actual information provider

Practical

1. Representativeness  

A researcher selects a relatively small number for a sample from an entire population. 

This sample needs to closely match all the characteristics of the entire population. 

It will help generalize the results from a small group to large population being studied.

2. Absence of sampling error

Sampling error is the error caused by taking a small sample instead of the whole population for study.

Sampling error is reduced by selecting a large sample and by using efficient sample design and estimation strategies.

3. Economically viable

Studies have a limited budget called the research budget. 

The sample should be done in such a way that it is within the research budget and not too expensive to be replicated

4. Generalized and applicable

Samples that it covers the whole population of the study and is not limited to a part.

5. Goal oriented

A sample should be goal oriented. 

It is means and should be oriented to the research objectives and fitted to the research conditions.

6. Proportional 

A sample should be proportional. 

It should be large enough to represent the population  properly. 

The sample size should be sufficiently large to provide statistical stability or reliability. The sample size should give accuracy required for the purpose of particular study.

7. Randomly  Selected

A sample should be selected at random. 

This means that any item in the group has a full and equal chance of being selected and included in the sample. 

This makes the selected sample truly representative in character.

8. Actual information provider

A sample should be as to provide actual information required for the study or research.

9. Practical

A sample should be practical. 

The sample should be simple i.e. it should be capable of being understood and followed in the fieldwork.