Which of the following is NOT a component of a sampling plan?

In the context of developing a sampling plan, it is essential to identify the components that contribute to effectively selecting a representative subset of a larger population for analysis. The main components typically include population definition, which outlines the specific group that the research will focus on; sampling method, which details how participants will be selected (e.g., random sampling, stratified sampling); and sample size, which specifies how many individuals or units will be included in the sample.

A sample grocery list does not fit into the framework of a sampling plan. It is unrelated to the statistical principles of population selection and does not aid in ensuring that the sample represents the broader population for research purposes. Instead, a grocery list pertains to a practical itemization of goods rather than a methodological component in research design. Thus, identifying a sample grocery list as a non-component highlights a distinction between practical necessities and the objectives of sampling methodology in research.