Introduction and Meaning
In the Research Methodology, practical formulation of the research is very much important and so should be done very carefully with proper concentration and in the presence of a very good guidance.
But during the formulation of the research on the practical grounds, one tends to go through a large number of problems. These problems are generally related to the knowing of the features of the universe or the population on the basis of studying the characteristics of the specific part or some portion, generally called as the sample.

So now sampling can be defined as the method or the technique consisting of selection for the study of the so called part or the portion or the sample, with a view to draw conclusions or the solutions about the universe or the population.

According to Mildred Parton, “Sampling method is the process or the method of drawing a definite number of the individuals, cases or the observations from a particular universe, selecting part of a total group for investigation.”

Basic Principles of Sampling
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After the selection of a proper research design, a research problem is selected followed by a finalized plan of action. After all these steps, comes the stage involving the collection of the data this data is required during the various phases of study. So now we will study about the details of the sources of the data collection, importance of the data collection and also about the various methods that can be used for performing this purpose of the data collection.

Today’s world, which on a large scale is affected or governed by the marketing environment and a very very competitive scenario depends largely on the way the various decisions are taken for solving the various research problems. In such a scenario, research methodology plays a very vital and essential role. The results that are obtained are or can be considered useful or meaningful only if the information used is up to date i.e. the results should be credible in nature.

Very important point which should be kept in mind and should be given due importance is that the data that is collected should not just be a collection of words but should be very meaningful in nature and should act as an information for the researcher during the various research operations.

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Formulating the research problem and hypothesis acts as a major step or phase in the research methodology. In research, the foremost step that comes into play is that of defining the research problem and it becomes almost a necessity to have the basic knowledge and understanding of most of its elements as this would help a lot in making a correct decision. The research problem can be said to be complete only if it is able to specify about the unit of analysis, time and space boundaries, features that are under study, specific environmental conditions that are present in addition to prerequisite of the research process.

Research Process
Research process is very commonly referred to as the planning process. One important point to be kept in mind here is to understand that the main aim of the research process is that of improving the knowledge of the human beings.

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Various types of research design are as follow:

1. Research design for exploratory or formulative studies
• In this type of design, a vague problem is selected and understood and is then followed by an exploratory research to find a new hypothesis and then carrying out conclusion research decisions to finally get new ideas.
• Aims at finding a new hypothesis.
• Individual surveys, referring to secondary sources of data etc. play an important role in such research designs.
• Reviewing related literature, following or surveying people having practical experience in the problem related field act as very important and most commonly used methods by an exploratory researcher.

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Following are the steps in research design:

1. The Problem – The first step involves the proper selection and then carefully defining the problem. By this researcher will be enabled to know about what he has to search, but it should be kept in mind that the problems selected should not be unmanageable in nature and also should not be based on the desires.

2. Objective of the study – The objective should be very clear in the mind of the researcher as this will lead to the clarity of the design and proper response from the respondents.

3. Nature of the study – The research design should be very much in relation with the nature of the study, which is to be carried out.

4. Data sources – The various sources of the data or the information should be very clearly stated by the researcher.

5. Techniques of data collection – For the collection of the required information, it sometimes becomes very necessary to use some especial techniques.

6. Social cultural context – Research design based on the social cultural concept is prepared in order to avoid the various study variations.

7. Geographical limit – This step becomes a necessity at this point of time as with the help of this step, research linked to the hypothesis applies only to certain number of social groups.

8. Basis of selection – Selecting a proper sample acts as a very important and critical step and this is done with the help of some mechanics like drawing a random stratified, deliberate, double cluster or quota sample etc.