Understanding population and samples in quantitative research and how to determine the right and good ones. Methods and stages in a study are very important for researchers to understand in writing their scientific papers.
This is because systematic writing is one of the characteristics of writing scientific papers. It is not surprising that researchers in writing scientific papers are required to have sufficient accuracy and precision.
The methods in research also vary depending on the research chosen. The type of research that requires more precision for researchers is known as quantitative research.
Accuracy and precision are needed more in this research considering the data that will be processed in the form of numbers. This type of research also emphasizes the use of mathematical calculations in answering problems as a result of its research.
In quantitative research, the terms population and sample are known. Qualitative research – another type of research that is more descriptive, is not familiar enough with the use of the terms population and sample in referring to the subject of its research.
In this article, we will discuss thoroughly about population and sample in quantitative research. Why are both very important and need to be considered in determining the results of a study? Let’s discuss further below.
Understanding Population and Sample
Population and sample in quantitative research are two things that cannot be separated and are interrelated with each other. Simply put, a research sample can be interpreted as a part of the population that is used as the subject of research and is a “representative” of the members of the population.
Both are two things that are very important in research because they can provide generalizations to the conclusions of the research results obtained.
Therefore, it is important for researchers to be careful and precise in determining the size of the population and sample to be used. For more details, we can first examine the respective definitions of the population and sample below.
Definition of Population According to Experts
According to Sugiyono (2005) , population is a generalization area consisting of objects or subjects that have certain qualities and characteristics that are determined by researchers to be studied and then conclusions drawn.
The population used in the research is quite diverse. There are several things that can differentiate them. According to Supardi (1993) the research population can be divided into “finite” and “infinite” populations.
Finite population refers to a population whose number of members can be known with certainty by the researcher. While infinite population is the opposite, it is a population whose number of members is still unknown or cannot be known.
Based on its nature, the population is also divided into two parts, namely homogeneous and heterogeneous populations. Homogeneous population means a population that has elements that are the same. This type of population does not question the amount quantitatively. Research in the exact field has a homogeneous population such as water solutions, liquids, etc.
While heterogeneous population means that the elements in the population have diverse or varied characteristics. This type of population requires boundaries that must be determined in advance both quantitatively and qualitatively. In social research, the population used tends to be heterogeneous because the subjects are often humans and social phenomena in human life.
Definition of Sample According to Experts
1. Sugiyono
According to Sugiyono, Sample as part of the number and characteristics owned by a population. Sample measurement is done through statistics or based on research estimates to determine the size of the sample taken in conducting research on an object.
This large sample taking must be carried out in such a way that a sample is obtained that can describe the actual state of the population.
2. Supardi
Meanwhile, the definition by Supardi (1993), Sampling technique or sampling technique is a method or technique used in determining research samples.
2. Margono
According to Margono (2004) , this sample determination must be adjusted to the sample size that will be used as the actual data source by paying attention to the nature and distribution of the population so that the sample obtained can represent the population (is representative).
The use of samples is necessary in quantitative research because it would take a lot of time, energy and money if researchers had to study all individuals in a population.
There are several other benefits or uses in using samples in research, we will discuss these in more detail below:
- Saves researchers’ costs, energy, and time. As previously explained, researching using samples will greatly lighten the researcher’s task because they do not have to research the entire population, just a few selected samples.
- Data acquisition will be faster. Because only a few samples are studied, the time used is relatively short.
- Produce a representative picture of the entire population. The use of appropriate samples is expected to be able to provide information related to the population being studied through representatives of only a few samples so that the information needed can answer the objectives of the research being conducted.
- Determines the precision or accuracy determined by the difference in results obtained.
- The way to use it tends to be simpler so it is easy to implement.
- Provides a lot of information at a low cost.