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A study's sampling strategy determines the population for which its findings can speak, yet sampling is often reported only as a recruitment route, without a named method. This article explains the difference between probability and non-probability sampling and describes eight widely used methods: simple random, stratified, cluster, systematic, purposive, convenience, snowball and quota sampling. A single population of 120 units is used throughout so that the methods can be compared, and extracts from doctoral theses show four of them in use.

The article also summarizes the evidence on sample size for statistical and interview-based studies, presents a two-step procedure for choosing a method, and lists five elements that a sampling description should report. It is suited to research-methods courses at master's and doctoral level. The article is the formal edition of a piece first published by Grad Coach and is released under CC BY 4.0.

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