The technique in which a sample is selected based on certain sample characteristics is known as?

DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Nursing Research & Statistics

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Purposive sampling is a non-probability technique where the researcher deliberately selects participants based on specific traits or characteristics relevant to the study's purpose.
The core principle is that certain individuals are chosen because they are believed to be 'fit for research' and can provide rich, detailed information on the topic.
This method is also commonly referred to as 'judgmental' or 'authoritative' sampling, as it relies on the researcher's expert judgment to select the sample.

Option B: Convenience sampling involves selecting participants who are easily accessible and available to the researcher, not based on specific, predefined characteristics. The primary criterion is convenience, not purpose.
Option C: Snowball sampling is used when participants are hard to locate. The researcher finds an initial subject and then asks them to refer others. The selection is based on referrals, not directly on characteristics chosen by the researcher.
Option D: Judgmental sampling is another name for purposive sampling. In multiple-choice questions where a synonym is presented as a separate option, the most common or umbrella term ('Purposive sampling') is generally considered the best answer. Both describe the same core concept, but 'Purposive' is the primary term.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Non-probability sampling methods in research as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurse researchers frequently use purposive sampling to study specific patient populations, such as understanding the lived experiences of patients undergoing a particular chemotherapy regimen or the coping mechanisms of caregivers for children with autism.
This method allows for in-depth exploration of nursing phenomena from the perspective of those most affected, leading to targeted interventions and improved patient care.
What if? If a nurse researcher wanted to understand the overall job satisfaction of all nurses in a large hospital system to inform policy changes, purposive sampling would be inappropriate. A probability method like stratified random sampling would be better to ensure the findings are representative of the entire nursing staff.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question's core requirement: selecting a sample based on 'certain sample characteristics'. This implies a deliberate, targeted selection process.
Next, evaluate each option against this requirement.
Convenience sampling is based on ease of access, not specific traits. Eliminate this.
Snowball sampling is based on referrals from other participants, which is a different mechanism. Eliminate this.
Both Purposive and Judgmental sampling involve selecting participants based on specific characteristics or the researcher's judgment.
Recognize that 'Judgmental sampling' is a synonym for 'Purposive sampling'. When faced with two correct synonymous terms, choose the broader, more commonly accepted term, which is 'Purposive sampling'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Non-probability sampling methods in research
Stem keywords: sampling technique, sample, selected, certain sample characteristics
Lead-in keywords: known as
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 NursingResearch Suresh Sharma 5e Part 1 pp. 242-244, 243-245

E6 NursingResearch Sukhpal Kaur p. 260-262