Sampling Flashcards
What is a representative sample?
A group of people that are typical of the target population
What is random sampling?
Every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen, for example names in a hat.
What is the advantage of random sampling?
This technique removes researcher bias in sampling so should give a highly representative sample.
What is the disadvantage of random sampling?
It is extremely difficult and time consuming to achieve a random sample and so it is the most costly technique to use.
What is opportunity sampling?
Taking the sample from the first people who are available at the time and fit the criteria you are looking for.
What is the advantage of opportunity sample?
It is quick and easy to achieve an opportunity sample and so it is the cheapest technique to use.
What are the disadvantage of opportunity sample?
The research could involve researcher bias in terms of which participants are chosen/available and so it may not give a representative sample.
What is volunteer sampling?
Participants self select to become part of a study by volunteering themselves e.g. in response to an advert.
What is the advantage of volunteer sampling?
The participants will feel happy and therefore motivated to take part so they are much less likely to drop out.
What are the disadvantages of volunteer sampling?
It maybe biased towards a certain type of person, as only certain types of people will volunteer so it may not give a representative sample.
