RESEARCH METHODS: pilot studies, correlations and sampling

Question 1

What is a pilot study?

Answer 1

a small scale version of an investigation that takes place before the real investigation is conducted.

Question 2

what is a pilot studies aim?

Answer 2

to check the procedures, materials, measurements, scales- allowing the researcher to change anything that doesn’t work.

Question 3

What is a correlation

Answer 3

the relationship between co-founding variables

Question 4

strengths of correlation

Answer 4

-provides a precises and quantifiable measure of how 2 variables are related
-quick and economical to carry out.

Question 5

weaknesses of correlation

Answer 5

-can only tell us how variables are related but not why
-risk of intervening variables causing the relationship

Question 6

five sampling methods

Answer 6

-random sampling
-systematic sampling
-stratified sampling
-opportunity sampling
-volunteer sampling

Question 7

what is random sampling?

Answer 7

every member of the largest population has an equal chance of being selected

Question 8

what is systematic sampling?

Answer 8

every nth person is chosen from a list.

Question 9

what is stratifies sampling?

Answer 9

the proportions of people in population subgroups are reflected in the sample.

Question 10

what is opportunity sampling?

Answer 10

whoever is available is selected

Question 11

what is volunteer sampling?

Answer 11

participants self select themselves.