Methods of sampling

Question 1

Target population

Answer 1

The group of people being investigated in a study

Question 2

Sample

Answer 2

A selection from the target population that is directly studied in an investigation

Question 3

Generalisability

Answer 3

The extent to which the results of a study represent a whole population, not just the sample

Question 4

Sample error

Answer 4

When a sample differs in qualities from the target population it intends to represent

Question 5

Biased sample

Answer 5

When the sample recruited is made up of a particular type of person, which may not reflect the target population

Question 6

Sampling method

Answer 6

A technique used to gather a representative group of people as a sample from a target population

Question 7

Random sampling technique

Answer 7

A technique used to gather a random sample of participants from the target population

Question 8

Strengths of Random sampling technique

Answer 8

Every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected
This method helps control participant variables that may affect the study

Question 9

Weaknesses of Random sampling technique

Answer 9

Some may refuse to take part which makes the sample less representative

Question 10

Stratified sampling technique

Answer 10

A technique that ensures that subgroups of the target population are proportionately represented

Question 11

Strengths of Stratified sampling technique

Answer 11

Ensures that the sample is completely representative

Question 12

Weaknesses of Stratified sampling technique

Answer 12

Time consuming
Some people may refuse to take part which makes the sample less representative

Question 13

Volunteer sampling technique

Answer 13

A technique that gathers a sample of participants that volunteer often through advertising

Question 14

Strengths of Volunteer sampling technique

Answer 14

It involves minimal effort
It is the most ethical sampling technique as participants do not have to be asked to participate

Question 15

Weaknesses of Volunteer sampling technique

Answer 15

It is less representative as not everyone in a target population will volunteer
It may lead to a biased sample tend to be similar in some type of way so results would be unreliable

Question 16

Opportunity sampling technique

Answer 16

A technique that recruits the participants that are readily available at the time

Question 17

Strengths of Opportunity sampling technique

Answer 17

The quickest and simplest sampling technique

Question 18

Weaknesses of Opportunity sampling technique

Answer 18

Can lead to a biased sample as not everyone that can represent the target population may be around at the time of the study making it not generalisable
If the study is replicated at different times the results would differ so the results are unreliable