Sampling

Question 1

Generalisability

Answer 1

The ability to draw conclusions about people from the research they conduct with a small sample

Question 2

Opportunity sample

Answer 2

A sample of participants was produced by selecting people who are most easily available at the time of the study e.g. people in your school

Question 3

1 Strength of an opportunity sample

Answer 3

Easiest method because you just use the first participants you can find

Question 4

2 Strength of an opportunity sample

Answer 4

If the sample and the target population are very similar, it provides a sufficient estimate of the population

Question 5

1 Weakness of an opportunity sample

Answer 5

Introduces selection bias as researchers would use participants that are more likely to accept and are similar to them culturally and socially

Question 6

2 Weakness of an opportunity sample

Answer 6

The sample may not be representative of the entire population

Question 7

Random sample

Answer 7

A sample of participants produced by using a random technique such that every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected e.g. a random number generator

Question 8

1 Strength of a random sample

Answer 8

Unbiased, all members of the target population have an equal chance of selection

Question 9

2 Strength of a random sample

Answer 9

It’s the simplest form of data collection. It requires no basic skills out of the population base or the items researched, just basic observation and recording skills

Question 10

1 Weakness of a random sample

Answer 10

Takes more time and effort than other methods

Question 11

2 Weakness of a random sample

Answer 11

There is an added monetary cost to the process as the research must happen at the individual level

Question 12

Self-selected sample

Answer 12

A sample of participants was produced by asking volunteers e.g. in an ad

Question 13

1 Strengths of a self-selected sample

Answer 13

It’s a convenient way to find willing participants

Question 14

2 Strengths of a self-selected sample

Answer 14

Participants are less likely to drop out

Question 15

1 Weakness of a self-selected sample

Answer 15

Volunteer bias: The participants are likely to be more motivated and/or with extra time on their hands than the population in general

Question 16

2 Weakness of a self-selected sample

Answer 16

It takes longer because you have to wait for volunteers to actually show up

Question 17

Snowball sample

Answer 17

It relies on referrals from initial participants to generate additional participants e.g. current participants recruit further participants from people they know

Question 18

1 Strength of a snowball sample

Answer 18

It enables researchers to locate groups of people who are difficult to access

Question 19

2 Strength of a snowball sample

Answer 19

Referrals make it easy and quick to find subjects as they come from reliable sources. An additional task is saved for a researcher, this time can be used in conducting the study

Question 20

1 Weakness of a snowball sample

Answer 20

The sample is not likely to be a good cross-section from the population because it is friends of friends

Question 21

2 Weakness of a snowball sample

Answer 21

There are fair chances even after referrals, people might not be cooperative and refuse to participate in the research studies