INRS 7311 Learning Unit 4 Sampling and Data Collection Theme 1 Population and Sampling

Question 1

Identify the population of a research study 3 marks

Answer 1

• The whole group of people/entities from which the info is required or gathered
• This group is specified using research questions(outlines where data will come from )
• All members in a population must have one characteristic linking them to the research

Question 2

Explain the concept of population parameters 3 marks

Answer 2

• Shared characteristics of the entire population chosen .

* Eg nature , size , etc

Question 3

Identify different units of analysis3 marks

Answer 3

• Smallest possible units that can be investigated or researched .
• EG people , groups , organisations etc

Question 4

Discuss key considerations in identifying a population 6-8 marks

Answer 4

• Determine the nature of the population by seeing whether research questions are best asked by turning to people , groups , organisation etc .
• Once you have the nature of the population , determine the common characteristics between the units of analysis
• Using this info the population can now be defined .
• Target and accessible population can now be distinguished between .

Question 5

Distinguish between target and accessible population 4 marks

Answer 5

• Target audience = Any and everyone that falls into the characteristics outlined by the study .
• Accessible = Only population included in the study .

Question 6

Describe sampling and different sampling methods . 4 marks

Answer 6

• Sampling is cutting the population who have the required characteristics down to a reasonable size .
• A sample is subset of the population that suitably represent the population

Question 7

Explain what is meant by a representative sample 3 marks

Answer 7

• Shares the characteristics of the general population .

* Questions to this population should be the same standard/style as if the whole population was included .

Question 8

Explain a sampling error 4 marks

Answer 8

• The extent to which we can generalize the findings to the rest of the population .
• Indication of how confident that a certain part of the population will provide similar result to the sample .

Question 9

Explain a sampling frame 3 marks

Answer 9

• A full list of elements of the population .

* eg : phonebook , staff list , mailing list etc

Question 10

Discuss the aspects to consider when choosing a sampling method 5 marks

Answer 10

• Sample is a subset of the population
• Sampling frame is a list of elements included in the population
• Final sample must have same relevant characteristics of the whole population to be a fair representation

Question 11

Distinguish between probability and non probability sampling methods . 10 marks

Answer 11

• Probability sampling : has each unit in the population had the equal chance to be in the sample . This method is preferred in quantitative studies .Leads to a sample that : fits in with research parameters , is randomly drawn , requires little influence from the research , and leads to generalisable findings
• Non-probability sampling : Done when it is impossible to determine entire population or difficult to gain access to it . The chance to be in the sample isn’t equal. Used in qualitative research . Sample drawn is : in line with research parameters , all aspects of population aren’t available to access , when getting a representative sample isn’t the goal of the study .

Question 12

List probability sampling methods

Answer 12

Simple random sampling , systematic sampling stratified sampling , multi-stage cluster sampling

Question 13

Explain random sampling 3 marks

Answer 13

• Each unit has an equal chance of being picked to be in the sample “ drawn from a hat “ .
• Helps remove researcher bias

Question 14

Explain systematic sampling . 4 marks

Answer 14

• The sampling frame is used to list all the units of the population .
• An interval is set ( eg every 5 units) then that unit is put into the sample . eg for a population of 100 to get a sample size of 20 units , the interval might be 5 for instance .

Question 15

Explain Stratified sampling 4 marks

Answer 15

• Split the population into strata ( groups that have similar characteristics within the same population)
• Simple random sampling or systematic is then used to draw sample

Question 16

Explain multi stage cluster sampling 3 marks

Answer 16

• Done when the sample frame is too big and/or widespread

* Frame is split into cluster at least twice , from which a random draw is done for the final sample .

Question 17

List the non-probability sampling methods

Answer 17

*Accidental , Convenience sampling , purposive , Quota , Snowball , Volunteer

Question 18

Explain accidental sampling 3 marks

Answer 18

• Sample isn’t taken from a frame , but chosen because they were in the right place at the right time .
• These results cannot be generalised , as the sample was chosen at random

Question 19

Explain convience sampling 4 marks

Answer 19

*Sample is taken from units that are the most easily accessible . Different from accidental sampling in that the researcher is likely in regular contact with the units before the research begins , which is what makes them convienience in the first place .

Question 20

Explain purposive sampling 5 marks

Answer 20

• Use of a set list of characteristics to choose our sample .
• Researcher then handpicks units that fit these characteristics from the population .
• Helpful as this ensures perfect sampling unit compliance .

Question 21

Explain Quota sampling 5 marks

Answer 21

• Similar to purposive sampling .
• Differs in that the ratio of units picked for the final sample reflects the unit ratio as the population .
• eg if red sweets outnumber blue sweets two to one , the final sample of sweets will reflect this .

Question 22

Explain snowball sampling 3 marks

Answer 22

• Often used in qualitiative research
• Based on referrals .
• Researcher gets in contact with one unit who fits characteristics . You then get them to put you in contact with other units they think fit your characteristics

Question 23

Explain volunteer sampling 5 marks

Answer 23

• Units volunteer themselves for the research
• Leads to many errors
• People only will answer Q’s when either the chance to get something in return or voice their unhappiness at something .
• If not for either of those reasons , then volunteers subtly give answers they think are desired rather than being honest .