Non probability sampling types – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C and E describe recognised types and uses of non-probability sampling. Purposive sampling focuses on information-rich cases, convenience sampling uses easily available participants, quota sampling fills predetermined subgroup quotas without random selection and snowball sampling helps access hidden populations. Statement D is false because non-probability samples do not support precise calculation of sampling error. Hence the correct combination must include A, B, C and E and exclude D.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits E, overlooking the important role of snowball sampling for hard-to-reach groups such as marginalised communities or rare populations. Without E, the list of non-probability types is not fully representative.

Option B:
Option B is correct since it includes all true statements and excludes D, which wrongly promises precise sampling error estimates from non-probability designs. It reflects both the strengths and the limitations of such sampling methods.

Option C:
Option C contains B, C and E but omits A, so it ignores purposive sampling, which is a central non-probability technique in qualitative and exploratory research. Its absence makes the option incomplete.

Option D:
Option D includes A, C and E but excludes B, thereby disregarding convenience sampling, which is one of the most common non-probability methods in practice. Therefore this option cannot be the correct one.