Research Methods - Lessons 8-10

Question 1

Population

Answer 1

Everybody in the group that you wish to study

Question 2

Sample

Answer 2

A selection of peope from the population

Question 3

Sampling unit

Answer 3

Members of a population you wish to study in terms of numbers of characteristics

Question 4

Sampling frame

Answer 4

A list of members from the population that are to be studied

Question 5

Random sampling

Answer 5

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of being selected

Question 6

Systematic sampling

Answer 6

Systematically selects people from the sampling frame

Question 7

Stratified sampling

Answer 7

Ensures a representative sample by dividing population into strata based on characteristics and then choosing a sample that reflects this

Question 8

Snowball sampling

Answer 8

Researcher selects one person, then asks them to put them in touch with other people and a network is built

Question 9

Volunteer sampling

Answer 9

Researchers attract volunteers who wish to take part in research through leaflets, posters and adverts and people can decide to take part

Question 10

Opportunity sampling

Answer 10

A sample of participants produced by selecting people who are most easily available at the time of the study. Convenience sampling

Question 11

Purposive sampling

Answer 11

Used by researchers who are looking for a specific sample and find it

Question 12

Quota sampling

Answer 12

When researcher looks for people to participate in research and asks the first people who match the requirements to get to a certain amount of participants

Question 13

Pilot study

Answer 13

Small scale study that sociologists conduct before they do their main research to see if it works and is valid

Question 14

Advantages of pilot study

Answer 14

Identifies weaknesses, ensures validity

Question 15

Disadvantages of pilot study

Answer 15

Uses up time, money is wasted

Question 16

What are Bulmer (2001) principles of ethical research?

Answer 16

• Informed consent
• Respect for privacy
• Protection from harm
• Safeguarding the confidentiality of data
• Avoid deception
• Aware of consequences of publication
• Right to withdraw

Question 17

Informed consent

Answer 17

Bulmer (2001) Participants should be free to chose if they take part and receive full information

Question 18

Respect for privacy

Answer 18

Bulmer (2001) Researchers should respect the privacy of all participants and not invade

Question 19

Protection from harm

Answer 19

Bulmer (2001) Researchers should not harm the participants physically, socially or psychologically

Question 20

Safeguarding the confidentiality of data

Answer 20

Bulmer (2001) Steps should be taken to ensure individuals cannot be identified from any stored data and should be anonymous

Question 21

Avoid deception

Answer 21

Bulmer (2001) Lying to participants should be avoided unless it’s necessary and if used then they should be debriefed

Question 22

Awareness of consequences of publication

Answer 22

Bulmer (2001) Sociologists should publish their results without undue influence from sponsors

Question 23

Right to withdraw

Answer 23

Bulmer (2001) Participants should be aware of their right to refuse to take part and should be allowed to leave whenever they want