Sampling Errors
Candlefocus EditorPopulation-specific errors occur when the sample differs from the population in terms of certain characteristics, such as age, gender, income, or geographic location. When this happens, it is impossible to generalize the population-level data from the sample. Consequently, researchers must choose the sample as close as possible to the population in order to reduce this kind of error.
Selection error refers to systematic errors that arise when the individuals in the sample are not randomly or randomly selected. For example, if one chooses to study a sample from a population where young individuals are overrepresented, then the results of the study will not be representative of the population as a whole. In order to avoid selection errors, a researcher must use random sampling.
In a sample frame error, a researcher chooses a sample from an inappropriate or unrepresentative population. For example, a researcher who selects individuals for a study from an online forum may obtain results that are not reflective of the entire population’s opinion because the forum may be more representative of a certain age group or geographical area. In this case, the researcher must select a sample that is representative of the whole population, such as a national survey or census.
Non-response errors, also known as missing data errors, occur when individuals in the survey do not respond to a survey or respond incompletely. This can lead to distortions in the results because the researcher may be measuring responses from a segment of the population that is not representative of the population as a whole. Non-response errors can be avoided by using incentives and follow-up measures to elicit responses from non-respondents.
In conclusion, sampling errors can be reduced by taking care to ensure that the sample is selected randomly, is representative of the population, and all respondents are accounted for. Furthermore, increasing the sample size can also help to reduce sampling errors. It is important to note, however, that even when sampling errors are reduced, there will still be some degree of uncertainty in the results due to the fact that a sample is still only an approximation.