Sampling in Research Series 1: Basic Concepts in Estimating Sample Size

Abstract

Sampling is a process/ method of drawing a representative group of units or cases from a particular population. Sampling is based on probability theory.It is very important for each researcher in all fields to understand and select a statistically and epidemiologically valid sample; which has become extinct from the cognitive arena of researcher today.Some people take a thumb rule of 100 samples. If asked why 100, why not 99 or 101; usually there is no answer.If there is no valid response to “why this number of sample”, then the study is to be discarded.Even many journals today publish papers without proper sample size being considered in the study. In fact such journals should also be made to stop publishing. Thus it was imperative to highlight the value of sample size calculation as CME. Sampling based on probability theory determines result of chance.The methodology used to select a sample from a larger population includes special procedure and calculations that needs to be followed. How to cite this article: Mohapatra SC, Chamola SK. Sampling in Research Series 1: Basic Concepts in Estimating Sample Size. J Adv Res Med Sci Tech 2020; 7(1&2): 17-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2394.6539.202003