PRINCIPLES OF SAMPLING The following are two important principles which determine the possibility of arriving at a valid statistical

inference about the features of a population or process i. Principle of statistical regularity ii. Principle of inertia of large numbers Principle of Statistical Regularity This principle is based on the mathematical theory of probability. According to King, The principle of statistical regularity lays down that a moderately large number of items chosen at random from a large group are almost sure on the average to possess the characteristic of the large group. This principle emphasises on two factors: i. Sample Size Should be Large As the size of sample inereases it becomes more and more representative of parent population and shows its characteristics. However, in actual practice, large samples are more expensive. Thus a balance has to be maintained between the sample size, degree of accuracy desired and financial resourses available. ii. Samples Must be Drawn Randomly When a sample is chosen at random, it is likely to possess almost the same characteristics and qualities of the universe. The term random means that each and every unit should have an equal chance of being included in the sample. A sample selected at random would represent the universe. The selection of samples based on this principle can reduce the amount of efforts required in arriving at a conclusion about the characteristic of a large population. For example, to understand the book buying habit of students in a college, instead of approaching every student, it is easy to talk to a randomly selected group of students to draw the inference about all students in the college. If this method is followed, then it is possible to depict the attributes of the whole by studying a part of it.Thus the sample units so selected are representative units of the universe and sample method therefore can be relied upon. It also gives validity to statistical inferences and emphasis that what was true of the past may be true of the future unless a fundamental change takes place in the composition of the variable. It is on this basis that we try to project existing data into future. Principle of Inertia of Large Numbers This principle is actually derived from the principle of statistical regularity and plays a significant role in the sampling theory. According to this principle as sample size increases, results would be more reliable. Large numbers are relatively more stable in their characteristics than small numbers. This principle states that, under similar conditions, as the sample size (number of observations in a sample ) get large enough, the statistical inference is likely to be more accurate and stable. For example, if a coin is tossed a large number of times, then relative frequency of occurrence of head and tail is expected to be equal. It does not mean the variation in large numbers is not much. It is there; but it is much less than what it is in small numbers. For example, if we toss a coin ten times it is quite likely that we may get 7 heads and 3 tails; but if we toss it 100 times, results would be more dependable and we may get say 60 heads and 40 tails. If the coin is tossed 1000 times, the likelihood is that the number of heads and tails would be very close to each other. Thus, larger the sample size, the more dependable are the results.

PILOT STUDY
Pilot tests are "dress rehearsals" of full survey operations that are implemented to determine whether problems exist that need to be addressed prior to putting the production survey in the field. Traditional pilot tests are common and have been a part of the survey process since the 1940s. In recent years, by the time a pilot test is conducted, the questionnaire has frequently already undergone review (and revision) through expert review, focus groups, and/or cognitive interviews. The terms pretest and pilot test are sometimes used interchangeably; however, in recent years pretest has taken on the meaning of testing within a survey laboratory, rather than in the field with the general population. The Pilot Study will follow after the researcher has a clear vision of the research topic and questions, techniques and methods, which will be applied and what the research design will look like. It is the reassessment without tears; trying out all the research techniques and methods, which the researcher have in mind to see how well they will work in practice. The general goal of a Pilot study is Do not take the risk, Pilot test first, ie, provide information which can contribute t o the success of the research project as a whole. Test on small scale first to sort out all the possible problems that might lead to failure of research procedure. It might minimise the risk of failure.

Reasons for conducting pilot studies Developing and testing adequacy of research instruments Assessing the feasibility of a (full-scale) study/survey Designing a research protocol Assessing whether the research protocol is realistic and workable Establishing whether the sampling frame and technique are effective Assessing the likely success of proposed recruitment approaches Identifying logistical problems which might occur using proposed methods Estimating variability in outcomes to help determining sample size Collecting preliminary data Determining what resources (finance, staff) are needed for a planned study Assessing the proposed data analysis techniques to uncover potential problems Developing a research question and research plan Training a researcher in as many elements of the research process as possible Convincing funding bodies that the research team is competent and knowledgeable Convincing funding bodies that the main study is feasible and worth funding Convincing other stakeholders that the main study is worth supporting