Sampling Flashcards
What is the target population?
The group of people who the researcher is interested in and from which a smaller sample is drawn
What is the sample?
A smaller group of people taken from the target population who take part in the research investigation
Define ‘sampling techniques’
The method used to select people from the population
Define ‘bias’ in terms of sampling
Over or under representing a group within the sample selected
Define ‘generalisation’
Ability to apply findings from an investigation to the population
Name the 5 types of sampling
1) random 2) systematic 3) stratified 4) opportunity 5) volunteer
What is random sampling?
Produced by using a random technique such that every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected
What is systematic sampling?
Sample obtained by selecting every nth person (where n is any number)
What is stratified sampling?
Sample obtained by identifying subgroups (strata) in the target population and ensuring the sample reflects the proportions of people in each strata.
What is opportunity sampling?
Recruit people who are both accessible and willing
What is volunteer sampling?
Participants select themselves to be part of the sample.
State 1 advantage and 2 disadvantages of random sampling
Unbiased- all members of target population have an equal chance of selection
- Time consuming- requires a list of all members of population and then contact all those selected
- May not be truly representative of population e.g. might all come from same school or town.
State 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of systematic sampling
Avoids researcher bias as participants selected using an objective measure.
Not truly unbiased/random unless you selected a number using a random method
State 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of stratified sampling
Representative sample- there is a proportional and randomly selected representation of subgroups
Time consuming to identify subgroups.
State 1 disadvantage and advantage of opportunity sampling
- Easy, convenient and cost-effective
- Unrepresentative sample as It is drawn from a specific area.
State an advantage and disadvantage of volunteer sampling
- Less time consuming. Often achieves a large sample size through reaching a wide audience.
- Volunteer bias- unrepresentative sample as may attract a certain ‘type’ of person
