Sampling is the process of selecting a representative subset of a population to determine characteristics of the whole population. It involves 7 steps: defining the population, identifying the sampling frame, specifying the sampling unit and method, sample size, sampling plan, and selecting the sample. Sampling provides advantages like being economical, faster, allowing for more comprehensive information, and greater accuracy than a complete enumeration. There are two main types of sampling - probability sampling which includes simple random, systematic, and stratified sampling, and non-probability sampling which includes convenience, judgement, and quota sampling.