What is the first step in the sampling process?

The first step in the sampling process is selecting the people for the study. This step is crucial because it defines who will be included in your research and can significantly affect the validity and reliability of your findings. Proper selection of participants ensures that the sample is representative of the larger population you are studying, which is fundamental for drawing accurate conclusions.

Before you can gather data, you need to determine the specific criteria for inclusion and exclusion of participants, select a suitable sampling method (like random sampling, stratified sampling, etc.), and ensure that the sample size is adequate to meet the objectives of your research. This foundational step sets the stage for the subsequent phases of data collection and analysis, allowing researchers to effectively answer their research questions based on the chosen sample.