Group of people walking in a crosswalk

Parameters and Sampling

Before you can collect data, you have to decide on the parameters of your data collection, including the sample size and composition, as well as the sampling method.

Sample Composition: The source from which data will be gathered, e.g. residents of a particular community or the general public, retailers, parks, beaches, public buildings or spaces, restaurants, multi-unit housing complexes, etc.

Sample Size: The number of units to be sampled, from which data will be collected. Serves as the denominator in quantitative data analysis.

Sampling Method: The method by which the sampling units are selected (such as census, simple random, stratified random, cluster, purposive, convenience).

Deriving Your Sample

Pre/Post Tests and Multiple Waves of Data Collection