Sampling

Question 1

Define opportunity sampling

Answer 1

Deciding to select anyone who is willing to participate

Question 2

Strengths and limitations of opportunity sampling

Answer 2

+ convenient
+ cheaper and time efficient

• specific area bias
• researcher bias

Question 3

Define systematic sampling

Answer 3

Every nth member of target population is selected e.g. every 5th pupil on register

Question 4

Strengths and limitations of systematic sampling

Answer 4

+ avoids researcher bias
+ fairly representative

• less representative than stratified

Question 5

Define stratified sampling

Answer 5

Composition of sample reflects proportions of people within target / wider population

Question 6

Strengths and limitations of stratified sampling

Answer 6

+ avoids researcher bias
+ provides representative sample - generalisation of findings can happen

• complete representation of target population is not possible

Question 7

Define volunteer sampling

Answer 7

Participants select themselves to be part of sample (self-selection)
Researcher places adverts to draw volunteers in

Question 8

Strengths and limitations of volunteer sampling

Answer 8

+ easy - minimal input required
+ less time consuming

• volunteer bias
• may only attract certain profile of people - affects how things can be generalised

Question 9

Define random sampling

Answer 9

List of members from target audience obtained and each is assigned a number
Sample generated through computer randomiser or picking from a hat

Question 10

Strengths and limitations of random sampling

Answer 10

+ free from researcher bias

• time consuming
• participants may refuse to take part