Sampling

Question 1

Target population

Answer 1

The whole of the group that is studied

Question 2

Sample

Answer 2

A group selected from the target population

Question 3

Sampling frame

Answer 3

A list of individual sampling units from which a sample is drawn
A good sampling frame should be:
- complete
- without duplications
- accurate
- up to date
- all in one place

Question 4

Young and Wilmott

Answer 4

Used sampling frame to conduct their study. They used the electoral register, had to make sure that is was complete and up to date or the sampling frame may have not been representative of the target population

Question 5

Random sampling

Answer 5

Definition: everyone in the target population has an equal chance of being selected
Strength: avoids the possibility of researchers selecting a sample that supports their hypothesis
Limitation: participants may not be available or may refuse to partake, can also be costly and time consuming

Question 6

Stratified sampling

Answer 6

Definition: dividing populations into subgroups that share similar characteristics, then taking a random sample from each group
Strength: includes representation from all subgroups and reduces sampling error
Limitation: can be complex and time consuming and requires detailed information of the population

Question 7

Quota sampling

Answer 7

Definition: segmenting the population into exclusive subgroups and then selecting a predetermined number of subjects from each group
Strength: ensures representation from all subgroups
Limitations: may have bias as selection within each quota is not random, may not fully represent the population

Question 8

Purposive sampling

Answer 8

Description: selecting individuals based on specific characteristics/ criteria
Strength: can provide in-depth insights
Limitation: high potential of bias

Question 9

Snowball sampling

Answer 9

Description: existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their acquaintances
Strength: cost-effective and efficient
Limitation: can be bias, depends on reliance in social network

Question 10

Opportunity sampling

Answer 10

Description: selecting participants who are readily available
Strength: cost-effective, time efficient
Limitation: can be bias, may not produce reliable or valid data