L6 Flashcards
Target population
Group who researchers are studying and want results from
Sample
Representative of the population
Random sampling
Every member of the target population has the same chance of being selected
Random sampling evaluation
(+) sample is representative
(+) no researcher bias so there’s an equal chance of being chosen
(-) difficult to gain full details of the target population
(-) not all members of the population will be selected or willing to take part
Systematic sampling
Participants are selected by taking every Nth person from the list
Systematic sampling evaluation
(+) less time consuming than random as every Nth is chosen rather than randomly selecting each person
(-) selection process may coincide with a hidden periodic trait
(-) not everyone may be willing or available so it’s unrepresentative
Stratified sampling
Classifying population into categories and randomly choosing a sample which consists of participants from each category/ strata
Stratified sampling evaluation
(+) all groups within the population are included so it’s representative
(-) time consuming as categories have to be identified and calculated
Opportunity sampling
Participants who are readily available and convenient to participate
Opportunity sampling evaluation
(+) Easiest method of ensuring large samples and its less expensive and time consuming
(-) sample wont be representative and people feel obligated to take part
Volunteer sampling
Participants volunteer to take part and volunteer through leaflet, radio, poster ads
Volunteer sampling evaluation
(+) less time consuming as all researcher needs to do is wait for response from ads
(-) mainly enthusiastic people who apply which wont be representative
Pilot study evaluation
(+) find any problems prior to the study
(+) make sure questions are understood
(-) expensive
(-) time consuming
