What does the term "sampling" refer to in research?

Sampling refers to the process of selecting individuals or units from a larger population to participate in a research study. It is a critical step because the quality of the sample affects the validity and generalizability of the results. By carefully choosing a subset of the population, researchers can gather insights and make inferences about the broader group without needing to study every individual. Each sampling technique, whether random, stratified, or convenience sampling, has its own methodologies and implications for the research findings. This is why it is essential to understand sampling when planning and conducting research, as it ultimately shapes the outcomes and conclusions of the study.