Compare a population and a sample.

Discuss basic concepts related to sampling.

Contrast inclusion and exclusion criteria in the sampling process.

Distinguish between probability and nonprobability samples.

Identify types of sampling strategies used for qualitative and quantitative research.

Discuss approaches to determining sample size.

Evaluate populations and sampling plans found in research reports for their contribution to the strength of evidence for nursing practice.

KEY TERMS

Accessible population

Cluster sampling

Convenience sampling

Exclusion criteria

External validity

Inclusion criteria

Internal validity

Nonprobability sampling

Population

Probability sampling

Purposive sampling

Quota sampling

Random sampling

Representative sample

Sample

Sampling error

Simple random sampling

Snowball sampling

Stratified random sampling

Systematic random sampling

Target population

Theoretical sampling