Question

What is sampling theory? Describe it and provide examples to illustrate your definition. Discuss generalizability as it applies to nursing research.

Answer 1

Sampling theory is the field of statistics that is involved. With the collection, analysis and interpretation of data gathered. From random samples of a population under study. Like a survey.

Answer 2

Sampling theory is a study of the relationships between a population and its extracted samples.

It is useful in:

• estimation of population parameters;
• Determination of the causes of observed differences between samples.

It is what we call inductive statistics or statistical inference which consists in inferring important conclusions about a population from the analysis of results observed in random samples.

Within nursing, this theory allows us to conclude which are the most prevalent health-related problems in the population, so hospital treatments and care will be adapted to this population ensuring greater efficiency of care of the nursing staff.