Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory

Sampling theory

Sampling theory refers to the structured study of the unique relationship that exists a random sample drawn from a population and the population. It is important to note that the theory only applies to random samples since it assumes that the whole population is an aggregation of individual members who have aggregated common trait(s). The theory is of relevance to nursing research because it addresses the logistical, time and financial concerns associated with sampling the whole population. Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory. Through identifying a random sample, the research is able to access the traits that are unique to the population and in proportions that are representative of the population. Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory. In addition, the theory acknowledges that a larger number of samples offers a truer representation of the whole population since this allows the research to access more traits that acknowledge the diversity existing in the population. Overall, the theory acknowledges that a research can access part of a population to draw conclusions about the whole population with regards to statistical estimation, hypothesis tests, and statistical inference (Goos & Meintrup, 2016). Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory.