Improper Sampling Method: Convenience Sampling
Why It's Improper: Introduces selection bias, not representative of the entire population.
Appropriate Sampling Method: Stratified Random Sampling
Why It's Appropriate: Ensures representation by considering relevant characteristics, minimizing bias.
In a recent scenario from my day-to-day life, I observed improper sampling in a market research survey conducted at a shopping mall. The sampling method employed was convenience sampling. The surveyors approached shoppers who happened to pass by a specific area, asking them to participate in the survey. This method is improper because it introduces a selection bias – the surveyed individuals were not randomly selected, leading to a sample that may not be representative of the entire shopper population.
A more appropriate sampling method would have been stratified random sampling. In this case, the shoppers would have been divided into distinct strata based on relevant characteristics, such as age, gender, and shopping preferences. Random samples would then be drawn from each stratum. This ensures a more representative and unbiased sample, capturing the diversity within the shopper population.
Convenience sampling can lead to skewed results as it may disproportionately include certain demographics or behaviors, compromising the survey's validity. In contrast, stratified random sampling provides a systematic and fair approach, enhancing the generalizability of the findings to the broader shopper community.