1.3 Research Methods - Sampling Flashcards
What is the target population?
A large group of people that the researcher is interested in studying. Subset of the actual population
What is a representative sample?
A sample that reflects the target population - an entire population is very hard to study
What is generalisability?
The extent to which findings can be applied to the population, representative samples are easy to generalise, non-representative samples are more difficult
What are the 5 types of sampling?
. Opportunity . Random . Systematic . Stratified . Volunteer
Opportunity sampling definition
Using people who are most available to you in regards to the time and place the study is conducted
Random sampling definition
Each member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected
Volunteer sampling definition
Self selected participants who put themselves forward
Systematic sampling definition
Pre-determined system to select every Nth person from a list on names, e.g every 7th person
Stratified sampling definition
Subgroups within a population which are proportionate to the total population.
Strengths of opportunity sampling
Free to gather, easily accessible
Limitations of opportunity sampling
Not representative, researcher bias present and certain personality trait of participants gained
Strengths of random sampling
Reduced researcher bias, everyone has an equal chance
Limitations of random sampling
Not representative, Time consuming and chance of a ‘freak’ sample e.g all boys
Strengths of volunteer sampling
Cost effective, easy to gather
Limitations of volunteer sampling
Unrepresentative, time consuming, certain personality gained
