Define the process of sampling in research.

Sampling in research refers specifically to the selection of a subset from a larger population. This process is crucial because it allows researchers to gather insights and data that can be generalized to the broader population without needing to study every single individual. By selecting a sample, researchers can efficiently conduct studies with manageable resources, while still achieving valid and reliable results that reflect the characteristics and behaviors of the entire population.

In various types of research, including criminal justice, effective sampling methods can significantly influence the study's outcomes. For example, if researchers are exploring crime rates or public safety perceptions, gathering data from a representative subset instead of the entire population helps to control costs and time, while still achieving meaningful and applicable results. This way, researchers can draw conclusions and make informed recommendations based on the sample data that can reasonably represent the views or behaviors of the entire group.

Engaging with the entire population can be impractical, time-consuming, and sometimes impossible; therefore, sampling becomes an essential strategy in research design.