Sampling Flashcards

1
Q

Population

A

The large group of people that a researcher is interested in studying.

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2
Q

Sample

A

It is usually not possible to include all members of the population in the study, so a smaller group is selected - the sample.

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3
Q

Generalisation

A

The sample that is drawn should be representative of the population so generalisations can be made.

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4
Q

Bias

A

Most samples are biased in that all certain groups may be over - or under - represented.

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5
Q

Random sample

A

Every person in the target population has an equal chance of being selected.

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6
Q

How is a random sample technique used?

A

Lottery method. All members of the target population are given a number and placed in a hat or computer/phone randomiser used.

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7
Q

What is a strength of random sampling?

A

Potentially unbiased.
This means CVs/EVs are controlled.
Enhances internal validity.

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8
Q

What is a limitation of random sampling?

A

Time consuming and may not work.
Complete list of population is hard to get.
Also some participants may refuse to take part.

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9
Q

Systematic sample

A

Participants are selected using a set pattern/system (sampling frame).

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10
Q

How is a systematic sample technique used?

A

Every nth person is selected from a list of the target population.

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11
Q

What is a strength of systematic sampling?

A

Unbiased.
The first item is usually selected at random.
Objective method.

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12
Q

What is a limitation of systematic sampling?

A

Time and effort.
A complete list of the population is required.
May as well use random sampling.

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13
Q

Stratified sample

A

Sample reflects proportions of people in certain subgroups (strata) within a population.

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14
Q

How is a stratified sample technique used?

A

Subgroups (strata) are identified e.g. gender or age. The relative percentages of the subgroup in the population are reflected in the sample.

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15
Q

What is a strength of stratified sampling?

A

Representative method.
The characteristics of the target population are represented.
Generalisability more likely than other methods.

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16
Q

What is a limitation of stratified sampling?

A

Stratification is not perfect.
Strata cannot reflect all ways in which people are different.
Complete representation is not possible.

17
Q

Opportunity sample

A

People who are simply most available i.e. easiest/nearest to obtain.

18
Q

How is an opportunity sample technique used?

A

Ask people nearby.

19
Q

What is a strength of opportunity sampling?

A

Quick method.
Opportunity sampling is convenient because you just make use of the people who are closest.
This makes it cheaper and one of the most popular sampling methods.

20
Q

What is a limitation of opportunity sampling?

A

Inevitably biased.
The sample is unrepresentative of the target population as it is drawn from a very specific area, such as one street in town.
This means that findings cannot be generalised.

21
Q

Volunteer sample

A

In a volunteer sample, participants select themselves.

22
Q

How is a volunteer sample used?

A

Advertise.

23
Q

What is a strength of volunteer sampling?

A

Participants are willing.
Participants have selected themselves and know how much time and effort is involved.
Likely to engage more than people stopped in the street.

24
Q

What is a limitation of volunteer sampling?

A

Volunteer bias.
Participants may share certain traits.
Respond to cues and generalisation limited.