Sampling Flashcards
What is a target population?
a group of people (who share a given set of characteristics) about who the researcher wishes to draw a conclusion.
What is random sampling?
list of everyone in target population, uses computerised random generator to select required amount of participants
strengths of random sampling:
-chance of selecting biased sample are relatively slim- -improves population validity greatly
limitations of random sampling:
- difficult to get list of participants
- representative sample is not guaranteed
What is opportunity sampling:
researcher selects anyone who is readily available and willing to take part
strengths of opportunity sampling:
time efficient technique, sample sizes can be larger
limitations of opportunity sampling:
- may be ethical issues
- samples are likely to be skewed in terms of participant backgrounds
What is volunteer sampling:
participants put themselves forwards for inclusion
strengths of volunteer sampling:
sometimes only way of locating a particularly niche group
limitations of volunteer sampling:
- only atypical members of the target population respond
- only people who see advert have chance of being selected
What is systematic sampling?
every nth member of the target population is selected
strengths of systematic sampling:
- avoids researcher bias
- usually fairly representative
limitations of systematic sampling:
would be possible, but unlikely to get all male sample for example
What is stratified sampling?
composition of sample reflects the proportions of people in sub-groups within the target population.
Strengths of stratified sampling:
- avoids researcher bias
- representative
