sampling methods

Question 1

random sampling

Answer 1

all people in the target population have an equal chance of being picked - chosen entirely by choice

Question 2

random sampling strengths

Answer 2

1. everyone has the same chance of being picked (if repeated a similar sample will emerged) - reliable
2. not biased - representative

Question 3

random sampling weaknesses

Answer 3

1. time consuming - people may pull out by the time research is carried out - lowers generalisability + representativeness
2. can lack representativeness if a greater number of one type of person is picked

Question 4

systematic sampling

Answer 4

randomly choosing a number between 1 - 10 (nth term)

Question 5

systematic sampling strengths

Answer 5

1. everyone has the same chance of being picked (if repeated a similar sample will emerged) - reliable
2. not biased - representative

Question 6

systematic sampling weaknesses

Answer 6

1. time consuming - people may pull out by the time research is carried out - lowers generalisability + representativeness
2. can lack representativeness if a greater number of one type of person is picked

Question 7

stratified sampling

Answer 7

dividing the research population into a number of different sampling frames - participants are selected from each to create research sample

Question 8

stratified sampling strengths

Answer 8

1. can ensure that each group is represented - representative
2. not biased - representative

Question 9

stratified sampling weaknesses

Answer 9

1. 1. time consuming - people may pull out by the time research is carried out - lowers generalisability + representativeness
2. can lack representativeness if a greater number of one type of person is picked

Question 10

quota sampling

Answer 10

clear idea of the sample they want + where to find it

Question 11

quota sampling strengths

Answer 11

1. useful when there’s no sampling frame
2. targets a range of groups - representative

Question 12

quota sampling weaknesses

Answer 12

1. researcher may be biased towards a certain group - lowers representativeness
2. no sampling frame - less scientific + more difficult to repeat - lowers reliability

Question 13

snowball sampling

Answer 13

one contact will recruit other contacts to get involved in the research

Question 14

snowball sampling strengths

Answer 14

1. good to use for studies with difficult groups to access - validity + representative
2. easy if one person acts as a gatekeeper - allows access + can build up a rapport - validity

Question 15

snowball sampling weaknesses

Answer 15

1. biased/subjective - insider researchers
2. sample will be made up of the same type of people - lowers representativeness

Question 16

purposive/opportunity sampling

Answer 16

targets those that directly link to hypothesis

Question 17

purposive/opportunity sampling strengths

Answer 17

1. good when there’s a specific type of person needed
2. easy/quick can get a large sample - representative

Question 18

purpose/opportunity sampling weaknesses

Answer 18

1. sample wil be made up of the same type of people - lowers representativeness
2. biased/subjective - chosen by the researcher

Question 19

volunteer sampling

Answer 19

participants put themselves forward to take part in research

Question 20

volunteer sampling strengths

Answer 20

1. good when there’s a specific type of person needed
2. easy/quick can get a large sample - representative

Question 21

volunteer sampling weaknesses

Answer 21

1. sample wil be made up of the same type of people - lowers representativeness
2. biased/subjective - chosen by the researcher