Reference no: EM133483141

Sampling theory is the study of the relationship between a given population and portion picked randomly as a representation of the whole population. The aim of sampling is to approximate a larger population on characteristics relevant to the research question, to be representative so that researchers can make inferences about the larger population. Sampling theory can be considered biased since the researcher is picking the population group they want to study. An example of sampling is when the researcher takes a group of individuals such as smokers and start them on nicotine patches to see if helps smokers quit smoking (GCU, 2022).

The goal of research is to produce knowledge that can be applied as widely as possible. However, since it usually isn't possible to analyze every member of a population, researchers make do by analyzing a portion of it, making statements about that portion. To be able to apply these statements to larger groups, researchers must ensure that the sample accurately resembles the broader population. In other words, the sample and the population must share the characteristics relevant to the research being conducted. When this happens, the sample is considered representative, and by extension, the study's results are considered generalizable (Nikolopoulou, 2023).

Generalizability is the extension of research findings or conclusion made from sample during a research large population. As the example previously stated in the text the researcher is generalizing the smoking population that nicotine patches will help with smoking cessation when it probably won't help everyone.

Sampling theory and generalizability in nursing research essay. The healthcare field care is sometimes based on generalization due to medications that work for most people to manage ailments, however some medical institutions are trying to push for individualize care plans for patients (Polit, 2018).