sampling Flashcards
what is a random sampling approach and who is it favoured by ?
a sampling technique in which each person has an equal chance of being selected. A more representative sample is made
it is favoured by positivists
what is simple random sampling?
each person has an equal chance of being selected e.g picking names out of a hat.
what are the strengths of random sampling?
*practical- very fair
*theoretical-less chance of a bias sample as more likely to get a fair representation meaning results will be more reliable
what are the weaknesses of random sampling?
*practical- not guaranteed all participants would want to take part, may be picked out and then refuse
*practical- time consuming to get all names in a hat and get sample frame.
what is systematic/quasi sampling? (random)
randomly choosing a number between 1 and 10 and then picking out every 10th number from that. the larger the sample, the less likely it is to be biased.
what are the strengths of systematic/quasi sampling?
*practical- can increase the size of the sample to increase representativeness
*practical- quicker and easier to find every 10th number than other sampling techniques e.g stratified
what are the weaknesses of systematic/quasi sampling?
*theoretical- not guaranteed a representative sample
*practical- can be more time consuming than non-random techniques to get all names on a list e.c.t
what is stratified sampling? (random)
a method that ensures a sample group reflects the proportion of the whole population. the population is divided into groups proportional to the population e.g studying a school and found that 60% were males and 40% were females your sample would have to reflect that.
what are the strengths of stratified sampling?
*theoretical- effective as it allows the researcher to control the variables that are important to the research. this means the research is more scientific and reliable
*theoretical- very representative as it reflects the target proportions of the population and proportions of different groups.
what are the weaknesses of stratified sampling?
*practical- time consuming as you must find the exact proportions of certain groups and my take a long time to obtain exact numbers
*practical- very complex and not practical as the sampling frame does not contain the information required to split the population into groups so you would have to spend time attempting to work things out.
what is cluster sampling? (random)
when no specific list of people is used so a map is used whereby the researcher selects a couple f districts and then streets and then a further few households.
what are the strengths of cluster sampling?
*practical- easy to target certain socio-economic groups and characteristics so offers fairly easy access to specific groups, therefore better for groups that are characterised in their cluster
*practical- no sampling frame needed so quicker and cheaper using a resource that’s already available (a map)
what are the weaknesses of cluster sampling?
*practical- no guarantee that houses selected will be willing to take part e.g in groups that are sceptical of outsiders, for example in areas with high crime
*theoretical- sample may not be representative of the population that you are studying and the proportions may not reflect this. therefore it is only appropriate to use on a study in which the sample is characterised by the whole populations proportions.
what is a non random sampling technique and who favours this approach?
a technique in which statistics are not used and involves selecting a sample without using scientific methods.
it is favoured by interpretivists as they are not concerned about making generalisations as they are concerned about validity so have less need for large scale representative samples.
what is quota sampling? (non-random)
whereby the researcher is told how many participants are needed in each category and goes out looking for them. it works similar to stratified sampling but without the need for a sampling frame.
what are the strengths of quota sampling?
*practical- no sampling frame is needed so it saves time with complex proportions while also allowing for a somewhat representative sample
*practical- easy to implement and meet targets whilst also allowing for flexibility if people do not want to take part
what are the weaknesses of quota sampling?
*theoretical- not suitable for large populations as sample will only be small so therefore will not be generalisable
*theoretical- researcher bias may affect results and the researcher decides who to select and may select based on certain bias characteristics.
practical- can be hard and time consuming to meet targets.
what is volunteer sampling? (non random)
whereby individuals come forward to take part in the research
what are the strengths of volunteer sampling?
*practical- quick cheap and easy to conduct as people come forward and you do not have ti go out and persuade yourself
*ethical- more likely to consent as participants have come forward themselves Sio avoids the ethical issue of lack of informed consent.
what are the weaknesses of volunteer sampling?
*theoretical- volunteer bias will lead to a bias sample as only a certain personality will come forward so may not be representative for all groups of society
*practical- may be hard to gain access to certain participants when conducting certain subject matters e.g domestic violence
what is opportunity sampling?(non-random)
participants are selected because they are convenient. this means that they are both accessible and willing to take part.
what are the strengths opportunity sampling?
*practical- no sample frame is needed as it is dependent on people being available at a certain time and place
*practical- quick cheap and easy to conduct unlike random sampling which would take you a long time
what are the weaknesses of opportunity sampling?
*ethical- not everyone has an equal chance of being selected as those only who are there can be selected.
*theoretical- not representative as all people at that moment in time may be from a specific group e.g all females
what is snowball sampling?(non-random)
where one participant refers the researcher to another potential participant spoke the sample gradually gets bigger.
