Well, without sampling, there's nothing to make inferences about! But there is an incredible range of ways to sample and each one has an impact on the generalizability of inference and most have an impact on the ways to do inference. read more
The key assumption in statistical inference is that the data you have is representative of the data that you could have. If it’s somehow systematically different, everything falls apart. The role of a sampling is to ensure as well as possible that that’s true. read more
Sampling in Statistical Inference The use of randomization in sampling allows for the analysis of results using the methods of statistical inference. Statistical inference is based on the laws of probability, and allows analysts to infer conclusions about a given population based on results observed through random sampling. read more
The Role of the Sampling Distribution in Understanding Statistical Inference Kay Lipson Swinburne University of Technology Many statistics educators believe that few students develop the level of conceptual understanding essential for them to apply correctly the statistical techniques at their disposal and to interpret their outcomes appropriately. read more