Quantitative Sampling
- Goal: to generalize the population
- Uses large, random samples
Qualitative Sampling
- Goal: to generate a deeper understanding
- Uses smaller, purposeful samples
- Data saturation
Data Saturation
= the point in the research process when no new information is discovered in data analysis
Probability Sampling
- Involved selecting random samples of subjects from a given population
- Each member of the population has an equal chance to be selected to be part of the sample
Probability Sampling Methods (4)
- Random Sampling
- Stratified Sampling
- Cluster Sampling
- Stage Sampling
Random Sampling
- Completely random sample of the population
- Used when believed that the population is relatively homogeneous
Systematic Sampling
- Every Kth element of a sampling frame is chosen for the sample
- K is the sampling interval, with the first element being chosen
Stratified Sampling
- Modification of simple random sampling and systematic sampling
- Taking a random sample from various strata
Strata
= smaller sub-group
Cluster Sampling
- Population is separated into clusters to create a sample
- Common is many large-scale surveys
Non-probability Sampling (4)
= a sampling technique in which the researcher selects samples based on the subjective judgement of the researcher rather than random selection
- Quota Sampling
- Purpose Sampling
- Snowball Sampling
- Convenience Sampling
Quota Sampling
= in which various strata are identified by the researcher who ensures that these strata are proportionately represented within the sample to improve its representatives
Purpose Sampling
= strategy in which participants are selected on the basis that they are considered to be typical of a wider population
Snowball Sampling
= strategy through which the first group of participants is used to nominate the next cohort of participants
Convenience Sampling
= strategy that used the most conveniently accessible people to participate in the study
Data Collection Methods (5)
- Questionnaires
- Interviewing
- Observation
- Focus Groups
- Unobtrusive measures
Unobtrusive Measures
= a research method of data collection that does not involve direct contact with the research participants
- Interactive measures may lead to bias
- Do not require researcher’s presence
Physical Measures (4)
- Natural Accretion Measures
- Controlled Accretion Measures
- Natural Erosion Measures
- Controlled Erosion Measures
Natural Accretion Measures
- Accretion takes place where there is a buildup of deposits of materials or evidence
- We are not interested in these materials but are interested in what they reveal about human behavior
Controlled Accretion Measures
- Researcher tampers with the materials that are concerned to accretion comparison
Accretion
= growth or increase by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matters
Natural Erosion Measures
Degree of selective wear or deterioration on the material being studied
Controlled Erosion Measures
It is possible to manipulate the extent to which something wears out against some other experimental variable
