sample and sampling Flashcards
what is a sample?
refers to who we are researching
what is sampling?
refers to the technique we use to obtain a sample
what is a target population?
smaller groups within the general population whose behavior we are interested in
what is ethnocentrism?
if a study only looks at participants from one area it is referred to as ethnocentric
what is random sampling?
where every member of the target population has an equal chance of being chosen
how can you obtain a random sample?
can be done by placing the names of all possible participants in a hat and drawing out the sample required
what are the strengths and weaknesses of random sampling?
strengths = unbiased
weaknesses = a representative sample is not always guaranteed, time consuming, those selected to participate may not want to
what is opportunity sampling?
when the researcher selects people who are readily available at the time of study
how can you get an opportunity sampling?
by approaching people and asking if they would like to participate
what are the strengths and weaknesses of opportunity sampling?
strengths = quick and cheap
weaknesses = likely to produce a biased sample as all participants are recruited from one place
what is a volunteer sample?
when participants volunteer themselves to participate in research
how can you use volunteer sampling?
by placing adverts in newspapers or online
what are the strengths and weaknesses of volunteer sampling?
strengths = participants are willing to participate, which may make them less likely to withdraw
weaknesses = time consuming, biased as certain people may be more likely to respond
what is snowball sampling?
when a participant recruits other members of the target population
how can snowball sampling be used?
used for accessing niche, hard to reach target populations, eg gamblers
