Sampling

Question 1

Define a population

Answer 1

• the large group of individuals a researcher is interested in studying
• for example women in their thirties
• this is their target population

Question 2

What is a sample?

Answer 2

• A smaller group representative of a larger population

Question 3

What are the different sampling techniques?

Answer 3

• Random sampling
• Opportunity sampling
• Systematic sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Volunteer sampling

Question 4

What is a random sample?

Answer 4

• Where all participants have an equal chance of being selected
• this can be done with a random name generator or the lottery method

Question 5

What is a systematic sample?

Answer 5

• A system where every nth member of a target population is selected from the sampling frame
  sampling frame = the list of the target population organised in alphabetical order for instance

Question 6

What is a stratified sample?

Answer 6

• a sophisticated form of sampling where the composition of the sample reflects the real proportion of people in the target population
• first u identify the strat (proportions)
• then calculate the required population per strat

Question 7

What is an opportunity sample?

Answer 7

• Researchers select anyone who is willing and avaliable

Question 8

What is a volunteer sample?

Answer 8

• participants select themselves to be a part of a sample
• this is usually in response to an advert or newspaper

Question 9

Evaluate random samples?

Answer 9

• S = no research bias , increasing internal validity
• L = Difficult and time consuming
• some participants may refuse to take part if chosen
• may still end up with an unrepresentative sample

Question 10

Evaluate systematic sampling

Answer 10

S = avoids researcher bias and usually representative
L = Time consuming and not truly unbiased unless u use a random number generator then use a systematic sample

Question 11

Evaluate stratified sampling

Answer 11

S = NO research bias and is very representative of to the target population
L = time consuming and difficult
-does not reflect the individual differences in people

Question 12

Evaluate opportunity sampling

Answer 12

S = Easy and convenient, less costly
L = the sample may be unrepresentative as it is drawn from a very specific area, reducing generalisability
- research bias

Question 13

Evaluate volunteer samples

Answer 13

S= minimal effort, less time consuming
- participants will be more engaged
L = volunteer bias, this may attract a certain profile of people who may be money motivated or not take the study seriously