Definition
Sampling is the process of selecting part of a population for analysis in order to draw conclusions about the population as a whole.
Human Explanation
Instead of examining every case, an appropriately selected group is analysed to learn about the larger population.
Why it Matters
Sampling can make analysis faster, less expensive and operationally practical when examining the entire population is unnecessary or impossible.
Conceptual Boundary
A larger sample is not automatically representative. Conclusions are reliable only when the Sampling method, selection process and resulting sample are appropriate for the question being investigated.
Practical Perspective
A poorly selected sample can produce misleading conclusions even when every later statistical calculation is performed correctly. Sampling design must be considered before analysis begins.