sampling techniques

Question 1

what is a sample

Answer 1

the people the sociologists actually study in their research

Question 2

what is random sampling

Answer 2

sample is selected purely at random

Question 3

what is systematic / quasi-random sampling

Answer 3

where you select every nth name on the list which will cover the whole list (eg young and willmott used every thirty sixth name on the electoral register)

Question 4

advantages of random and systematic sampling

Answer 4

• ensures every individual has equal chance of being selected
• quick and easy to carry out

Question 5

disadvantages of random sampling techniques

Answer 5

• could be unrepresentative eg by chance more males than females
• requires accurate, up-to-date and complete sampling frame

Question 6

what is stratified random sampling

Answer 6

the total population is divided into smaller groups to be representative

Question 7

advantages of stratified sampling

Answer 7

• ensures control of variables such as age, and sex that are important to the research
• can increase precisions and so improve representative of your sample as it more closely matches general population

Question 8

disadvantages of stratified sampling

Answer 8

• complex and time-consuming
• sampling frame may not contain the requires information to split sample-population into groups
• your values and views on society might influence your choice of stratification this introducing bias into the sampling process

Question 9

what is cluster sampling

Answer 9

the entire population is divided into groups (clusters) and a random sample of these clusters is selected

all observation in the selected clusters are included in the sample

Question 10

advantages of cluster sampling

Answer 10

• useful if a complete list of the population is unavailable, but you can get a complete list of groups or ‘clusters’ of the population
• cheaper than random sample if the list of subjects is widely scattered

Question 11

disadvantages of cluster sampling

Answer 11

• could be unrepresentative as the clusters may not accurately reflect the general population

Question 12

what are random sampling

Answer 12

random
systematic
stratified
cluster

Question 13

what is quota sampling

Answer 13

the researcher tries to find a specific number of a particular type of person