chapter 7

Question 1

to generalize to the population composing the sampling frame

Answer 1

it is necessary for all elements to have equal representation in the frame

Question 2

Sampling frame

Answer 2

the list or quasi-list of elements from which a probability sample is selected.

Question 3

how many times should each element appear in a sampling frame?

Answer 3

once

Question 4

2 reasons why simple random sampling is seldom used

Answer 4

1. with all but the simplest sampling frame, simple random sampling is not feasible.
2. simple random sampling may not be the most accurate method of sampling available.

Question 5

sampling interval

Answer 5

which is the standard distance between elements selected in the sample. population size/sample size

Question 6

To ensure against any possibility of human bias in systematic sampling

Answer 6

you should select the first element at random and then proceed to select every 10th element afterwards.

Question 7

2 terms are frequently used in connection with systematic sampling.

Answer 7

1. Sampling interval
2. Sampling ratio

Question 8

sampling ratio

Answer 8

the proportion of elements in the population that are selected in the example. sample size/population size

Question 9

In practice, systematic sampling is virtually identical to

Answer 9

simple random sampling

Question 10

Stratified sampling

Answer 10

is a method for obtaining a greater degree of representativeness—decreasing the probable sampling error.

Question 11

sampling error is reduced by 2 factors.

Answer 11

1. a large sample produces a smaller sampling error than a small sample.
2. a homogeneous population produces samples with smaller sampling error than does a heterogeneous population.

Question 12

For stratified samples, researchers divide

Answer 12

a heterogeneous population into homogeneous subsets, or subpopulations, called ‘strata

Question 13

Methods of stratification in sampling vary. When you are working with a simple list of all elements in the population two are predominant.

Answer 13

1. to sort the population elements into discrete groups based on whatever stratification variables are being used.
2. group elements as described and then put those groups together in a continuous list

Question 14

Stratified sampling ensures

Answer 14

the proper representation of the stratification variables

Question 15

a stratified sample is likely to be more representative on a number of variables than

Answer 15

A simple random sample

Question 16

Cluster sampling may be used when

Answer 16

it is either impossible or impractical to compile an exhaustive list of the elements composing the target population.

Question 17

Multistage cluster sampling, then, involves the repetition of 2 basic steps:

Answer 17

Listing and sampling

Question 18

Whatever the situation, however, ___________ _____________ remains the most effective method for selection of study elements.

Answer 18

Probability sampling

Question 19

Why is probability sampling the most effective method for selection of study elements?

Answer 19

1. it avoids conscious or unconscious biases in element selection on the part of the researcher.
2. it permits estimates of sampling error.

Question 20

non-probability sampling is used when

Answer 20

1. it is not possible to use standard probability sampling methods.
2. it is not even appropriate to use probability sampling methods

Question 21

Use purposive sampling when

Answer 21

it is appropriate for you to select your sample on the basis of your own knowledge of the population, its elements, and the nature of your research aims

Question 22

Purposive sampling is best serves what chronological purpose in research?

Answer 22

test/pilot studies (a pretest)

Question 22

Quota sampling begins with

Answer 22

a matrix describing the characteristics of the target population.

Question 23

quota sampling addresses the issue of

Answer 23

representativeness, though the two methods approach.

Question 24

In establishing a national quota sample, you would need to know

Answer 24

what proportion of the national population is urban, eastern, male, under 25, white, working class and the like, and all the other permutations of such a matrix.

Question 25

Once a matrix has been created and a relative proportion assigned to each cell in the matrix (quota sampling)

Answer 25

you collect data from persons having ALL the characteristics of a given cell

Question 26

Quota sampling has several inherent problems.

Answer 26

1. the quota frame (the proportions that different cells represent) must be accurate, and it is often difficult to get up-to-date information for this purpose.
2. , biases may exist in the selection of sample elements within a given cell—even though its proportion of the population is accurately estimated.

Question 27

Convenience Sampling

Answer 27

is almost never an adequate sampling method, although it is used all too frequently.

Question 28

Convenience sampling is justified only if

Answer 28

the researcher wants to study the characteristics of people passing the sampling point at specified times.

Question 29

The ____ and ____ of such a method explains its popularity, but it seldom produces data of any general value.

Answer 29

ease, cost

Question 30

Convenience sampling is good for

Answer 30

pilot studies

Question 31

In general, non-probability sampling methods are regarded as ____ ________ than probability sampling methods.

Answer 31

less reliable

Question 32

Snowball sampling is

Answer 32

a type of purposive sampling that involves finding and recruiting participants through gatekeepers or referrals from existing participants.

Question 33

Both purposive and snowball sampling are useful techniques for

Answer 33

qualitative research, as they allow you to select participants who can provide rich and relevant data.

Question 34

Both purposive and snowball sampling have limitations

Answer 34

both techniques may introduce bias or limit generalizability as they do not ensure representativeness or randomness of the sample.

Question 35

Sampling considerations involved in structured observations include

Answer 35

a discussion of the use of tables of random numbers that can be used to establish random samples of time, place, and activity.

Question 36

Generalization of a sample only applies to

Answer 36

the population from which the sample was taken.

Question 37

Non-response is reduced through:

Answer 37

callbacks, optimistic mannerism, not selling anything, appropriate attire, accommodating, personalization, ease of use, monetary incentive