What is the main objective of sampling in research?

The main objective of sampling in research is to ensure representation of the overall population. By selecting a subset of individuals or items from a larger population, researchers aim to gather data that reflects the characteristics, behaviors, or opinions of the entire group. This is crucial because studying an entire population can be impractical, time-consuming, and expensive. By using a representative sample, researchers can make valid inferences and generalizations about the population without needing to analyze every single member.

A well-designed sampling method helps to minimize bias and ensures that various segments of the population are adequately represented. This enhances the reliability and validity of the research findings. While reducing costs, finding trends, and speeding up the research process can be beneficial outcomes of sampling, they are secondary to the primary aim of achieving a representative sample.