Sampling Methods

Question 1

Random Sampling

Answer 1

• each person has an equal chance of being selected e.g. picking names from a hat

Question 2

Stratified Random Sampling

Answer 2

• sorting the individuals into groups e.g. gender or age before choosing a proportional amount randomly from each group

Question 3

Volunteer Sampling

Answer 3

• individuals come forward to take part in the research e.g. in response to an advert

Question 4

Opportunity sampling

Answer 4

• participants who are both accessible and willing to take part are targeted

Question 5

Snowball Sampling

Answer 5

• where one participant refers the researcher to another potential participant so the sample gradually gets bigger

Question 6

Advantages & Disadvantages of Random Sampling

Answer 6

Advantages:
- very fair as everyone has equal chance of being picked
- less chance of a bias sample

Disadvantages:
- people may be picked but refuse to take part
- time consuming

Question 7

Advantages & Disadvantages - Stratified random sampling

Answer 7

Advantages:
- researcher can control the variables
- very representative

Disadvantages:
- more complex and not practical
- very time consuming

Question 8

Advantages & Disadvantages - Volunteer Sampling

Answer 8

Advantages:
- quick, easy and cheap
- more likely to consent as they have come forward

Disadvantages:
- volunteer bias
- hard to gain access to certain participants e.g. DV

Question 9

Advantages & Disadvantages - Opportunity Sampling

Answer 9

Advantages:
- no sample frame as dependent on availability of people at a given time
- very quick, easy and convenient

Disadvantages:
- not everyone has an equal chance
- not representative e.g. all people available are female

Question 10

Advantages & Disadvantages - Snowball Sampling

Answer 10

Advantages:
- useful way to contact those who may be difficult to find or persuade e.g. criminals
- no sample frame as it dependent on who is referred to

Disadvantages:
- issue of having a biased sample
- not representative of the target population