RESEARCH METHODS- Sampling techniques Flashcards
What is random sampling?
Involves selecting participants from a target population at random – such as by drawing names from a hat or using a computer program to select them. This method means each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected and thus is not subject to any bias.
What is systematic sampling?
Involves selecting participants from a target population by selecting them at pre-set intervals. For example, selecting every 50th person from a list, or every 7th, or whatever the interval is.
What is stratified sampling?
Involves dividing the population into relevant groups for study, working out what percentage of the population is in each group, and then randomly sampling the population according to these percentages.
What is opportunity and volunteer sampling?
Opportunity-Approaching participants who are available and asking them to take part.
E.g. Approaching people in the street and asking them to complete a questionnaire.
Volunteer-Participants offer to take part (also called self-selected sampling).
E.g. Placing an advert online inviting people to complete a questionnaire.
