Sampling Methods

Question 1

What is random sampling?

Answer 1

Everyone in the target population have an equal chance of being selected.

Question 2

Strengths of random sampling

Answer 2

More generalisable - low bias

Question 3

Weaknesses of random sampling

Answer 3

Can’t 100% certain that the sample is representative of the target population.

Difficult to include all the population for sampling - some may be unavailable or data protection means they can’t be accessed

Question 4

What is Stratified sampling?

Answer 4

All the relevant groups within the target population are proportionally represented within the sample.

Question 5

Strengths of Stratified sampling

Answer 5

All relevant groups will have some representation

Limits the amount of ppts needed - keep costs low

Question 6

Weaknesses of Stratified sampling

Answer 6

It is difficult to know how many of each group is need to represent the T.P accurately - some may be over or under represented

Question 7

What is Opportunity sampling?

Answer 7

Researcher takes advantage of whoever’s available at the time/place of testing.

Question 8

Strengths of Opportunity sampling

Answer 8

More ethical - can see if people are willing

Easy and faster

Question 9

Weaknesses of Opportunity sampling

Answer 9

May not be representative of the target population

Researcher bias - pick people who know/ are comfortable talking to

Question 10

What is Volunteer sampling?

Answer 10

Researcher puts out an advert and people that want to participate come forward.

Question 11

Strengths of Volunteer sampling

Answer 11

Ethical

Ppts more likely to comply and follow instructions - less issues with non-compliance

Question 12

Weaknesses of Volunteer sampling

Answer 12

Bias - as volunteers are in the minority (most people wouldn’t volunteer)

May take a long time to get enough ppts