Sampling Methods

Question 1

Random Sampling

Answer 1

All members of the target population have an equal chance of being picked

Question 2

Random Sampling (strengths)

Answer 2

No researcher bias

Question 3

Random Sampling (weaknesses)

Answer 3

Time consuming
May have an unrepresentative sample
Those selected my refuse to take part

Question 4

Systematic Sampling

Answer 4

Every ‘nth’ person is selected

Question 5

Systematic Sampling (strengths)

Answer 5

No researcher bias
Usually representative

Question 6

Systematic Sampling (weaknesses)

Answer 6

Time consuming

Question 7

Stratified Sampling

Answer 7

The sample is representative of the people in the sub-groups (proportional)

Question 8

Stratified Sampling (strengths)

Answer 8

No researcher bias
Representative so generalisation is possible

Question 9

Stratified Sampling (weaknesses)

Answer 9

Stratification is not perfect (complete representation is not possible)

Question 10

Opportunity Sampling

Answer 10

Researcher selects anyone who appears to be willing and available at the time

Question 11

Opportunity Sampling (strengths)

Answer 11

Easy
Saves time and money

Question 12

Opportunity Sampling (weaknesses)

Answer 12

Unrepresentative and cannot be generalised
Researcher bias

Question 13

Volunteer Sampling

Answer 13

Participants volunteer themselves to take part

Question 14

Volunteer Sampling (strengths)

Answer 14

Easy as participants come to you

Question 15

Volunteer Sampling (weaknesses)

Answer 15

Volunteer bias
Not representative