Probability sampling design in ethnobotanical surveys of medicinal plants

Abstract

Non-probability sampling design can be used in ethnobotanical surveys of medicinal plants. However, this method does not allow statistical inferences to be made from the data generated. The aim of this paper is to present a probability sampling design that is applicable in ethnobotanical studies of medicinal plants. The sampling design employed in the research titled "Ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants used by traditional communities of Nossa Senhora Aparecida do Chumbo district (NSACD), Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brazil" was used as a case study. Probability sampling methods (simple random and stratified sampling) were used in this study. In order to determine the sample size, the following data were considered: population size (N) of 1179 families; confidence coefficient, 95%; sample error (d), 0.05; and a proportion (p), 0.5. The application of this sampling method resulted in a sample size (n) of at least 290 families in the district. The present study concludes that probability sampling methods necessarily have to be employed in ethnobotanical studies of medicinal plants, particularly where statistical inferences have to be made using data obtained. This can be achieved by applying different existing probability sampling methods, or better still, a combination of such methods.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants by population of Valley of Juruena Region, Legal Amazon, Mato Grosso, Brazil

“…Calculation of estimated total sample size for the whole Region as well as the micro areas was realized as detailed by Espinosa et al (2012).…”

Ethnomedicinal Study of Plants Used against Human Ailments in Aseko District, South East Ethiopia

“…This age group was chosen since they could be legally account for their actions but selecting participants below age 20 may require parental approval, which could make the study impractical. The required number of household sampled in each kebele was calculated by the formula [20]. Accordingly, a total of 95 HHs and further 19% none response rates were selected from 4885 HHs in the three selected Kebeles.…”

How are legal matters related to the access of traditional knowledge being considered in the scope of ethnobotany publications in Brazil?

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