Sampling Flashcards
Define sampling
The method used to select participants such as random ,opportunity or volunteer sample or to sample behaviours in an observation such as time sampling
Define random allocation
An attempt to control for participant variables in an independent groups design which ensures that each participant has the same chance of being in one condition as any other
Define standardisation
Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study
What is a pilot study ?
Small scale version of your study to ensure :
- the design works
- participants understand instructions
- if you have missed anything
- validity and reliability
Define population
The group of people from whom the sample is drawn
We use a target population if we want to investigate specific individual differences
Define sample
The people the researcher actively uses in the research
Define opportunity sampling
Involves a sample of participants produced by selecting people who are most easily available at the time of study
Define random sampling
Involves a sample of participants produced by using a random techniques such that every member of the target population being tested has an equal chance of being selected
Define systematic sampling
Involves a sample being obtained by selecting every nth person and can be a random sample if the first person is selected using a random method and then select every nth person after that
Define stratified sampling
Involves a smoke of participants produced by identifying subgroups according to their frequency in the population and then participants are selected randomly from the subgroups
Define volunteer sampling
Involves a sample of participants that relies solely on volunteers to make up the sample
What is a advantage of random sampling
Unbiased
All members of the target population have an equal chance of selection
What is a disadvantage of random sampling ?
- researcher may end up with a biased sample because the sample is too small
- subgroups of target population might not be selected does not guarantee a representative sample
- need to possess a list of all members of the population and then contact all those selected which may take some time
What is a advantage of opportunity sampling ?
Easy and fastest method because you just us the first participants you can find
What is a disadvantage of opportunity sampling ?
Biased because the sample is drawn from a small part of the target population
unlikely to be representing of a target population