Microsoft Word Bachelor-Thesis-bl-pi-klar docx

4.6 Sampling
 
Once the research problem(s), research design and data collected method is determined, the 
elements for which the information will be gathered must be addressed. This is an important 
step in the sampling process as the gathered data should be as representative as possible. 
Sampling is thus referred to as the way of which information is gathered. The data is applied 
for a whole specific population, but gathered by only examining a part of the whole 
population. Doing otherwise, that is examining not only a sample but also the whole 
population, would be to too expensive and time consuming. The sample selection of people 
must therefore be representative for the whole population. In order to decide on the sample 
population, the researchers must be clear on what kind of information is wanted. Otherwise, 
the configuration for the whole sampling process will lead to examine data not relevant for 
the study (Ghauri & Grønhaug, 2005). 
The sampling process involves a series of steps when determining the target group relevant 
for the research. The first step is considered to be a definition of the chosen target group 
(Ghauri & Grønhaug, 2005). The target group should be defined in terms of elements, 
sampling units, and the extent and time for the research. The term element explains criteria’s 
for which the information is relevant. Sampling unit refers to a single or set of elements 
considered for selection during the course of the sampling process. Extent is referred to the 
geographical boundaries for the study while time explains the restricted time frame for the 
research. The second step is to determine the sampling frame, which is described as the actual 
individuals chosen for the sampling process (Bryman & Bell, 2011). The next step is to 
determine the whole procedure for how the sample gathering is going to take place followed 
by deciding on number of sample units. Once the units are selected, the researchers go out in 
the field and collect the data from the sampling units (Ghauri & Grønhaug, 2005).