Sampling and Collecting Quantitative and Qualitative Data Probability sampling represents the best strategy for selecting research participants

There are many ways of gathering information from a population using the qualitative or the quantitative approaches. Probability sampling is indeed the best strategy that a researcher can use to select participants from a population. There are many reasons to support this position as below discussed. Probability sampling can be understood as the sampling technique that takes a small sample from larger populations using one of the methods under the probability theories. In order for a participant to be selected a random method of selection must be used. The most fundamental requirement in probability sampling is ensuring that every person in the population has an equal and known likelihood of being selected. For instance, where a sample of 10 people is to be selected from a population of 100 people every person in that population would have a 1/10 chance of being selected. With probability sampling a researcher has the best opportunity of coming up with a sample size that truly reflects the entire population.

Statistical theory is applied in probability sampling for random sample selection. From the selected sample the researcher predicts that the entire population would have a similar response. The beauty of probability sampling is in its simplicity. Samples are selected in a fashion that allows every member in a population an equal opportunity of selection. With randomization...

This essentially means that the selected sample is an accurate representation of the whole population. With probability sampling there is less judgment. The researcher does not influence the selection process in any way. This makes the process more accurate and effective. Probability sampling is simple enough to be executed by non-technical researchers. Probability sampling does not include any long or complex processes. It is quite easy to execute.
Onwuegbuzie & Collins (2007) consider that prior to making a decision on the scheme of sampling it is a requirement for the researchers to decide the study objective. For instance, if the purpose is to generalize qualitative and quantitative research findings to a given population where inferences were made, the researcher should then try to choose a random sample with those components. Such situations will require a mixed method research to consider one of the five random sampling methods at some point during the process of research (Onwuegbuzie & Collins, 2007). The random selection methods include cluster, stratified, simple, multi-stage, and systematic random sampling methods. This means that probability sampling is beneficial for quantitative research as well as mixed method research approaches (Teddlie & Yu, 2007).

Data Collection Method: Interviews

Interviews enable accurate screening because the interviewee is able to capture both the non-verbal and verbal communication. Interviews also help…