Solvable and Unsolvable Sampling Problems

Theoretically all sampling problems are solvable; however, from a practical standpoint many sampling problems are not solvable within a reasonable cost. In a great number of cases, the notion of solvability is closely related to the notion of cost effectiveness. This leads to the following definitions: A sampling problem is solvable when we are capable of developing and implementing a sampling plan characterized by an acceptable degree of representativeness that can be achieved at an acceptable cost. A sampling problem is unsolvable when the above condition cannot be met, or when non-probabilistic specimens are collected instead of probabilistic samples. Solutions and recommendations are given in this chapter.